Jajpur: In a shocking incident, a tehsildar was critically injured after being run over by a tractor in an alleged murder attempt during a raid against illegal mining activities in Odisha’s Jajpur district.

The incident occurred near Minabazar Chhak under Korei police limits when Vyasanagar Tehsildar Prashant Kumar Panda reached the spot following reports of illegal soil excavation from a pond in the area.

Officer critically injured, shifted to SCB for treatment

As per reports, while the tehsildar and his team were conducting the raid, miscreants involved in the illegal activity allegedly rammed a tractor into him. He sustained serious injuries and was initially admitted to Korei hospital before being shifted to the SCB Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.

Illegal soil mining suspected behind incident

Preliminary information suggests that a group of individuals was illegally extracting soil from a pond when the raid was carried out. The attack is suspected to be linked to attempts to stop the illegal operation.

Upon receiving information, Odisha Police personnel reached the spot and began an investigation. Two tractors and a JCB machine have been seized in connection with the case. However, the accused involved in the attack are yet to be arrested.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of government officials engaged in enforcement actions against illegal mining activities in the region.