Balasore: Khaira Junior Mining Officer Abhisek Behera was allegedly attacked by members of a mining mafia during a late-night patrolling in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday. Though the officer escaped unharmed, his vehicle was damaged in the attack.

According to reports, Behera had gone on a routine night patrol around 10 pm along with his driver and two staff members from Khaira police station. During the patrolling, the mining mafia members began following the vehicle.

After completing patrol duty in various mining areas of Kupari, the officer reportedly halted near Simulia for some time. However, while returning towards Khaira, the attackers allegedly chased the vehicle in a car and two motorcycles and started pelting stones at it.

The assailants intercepted the vehicle near Sundarpur, abused the officer and allegedly threatened to kill him. Fearing for his safety, Behera rushed towards the police station.

The accused reportedly continued their intimidation even near the police station gate and allegedly threatened the officer’s driver, Surendra Panda.

Following the incident, the mining officer informed senior officials about the attack. Subsequently, Junior Mining Officers from Soro and Nilgiri reached Khaira and held discussions over the matter.