Hostage Standoff: Madhya Pradesh's Forest Officials Rescued from Timber Smugglers

In a dramatic standoff, forest department employees in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district were held hostage by timber smugglers before a police rescue. This startling incident unfolded in the Amjhor range of the north forest division during the night of February 18-19.

The operation involved the deputy ranger of the Sidhi Circle and beat guards acting on a tip-off about illegal Sal tree felling. Several forest officials were injured when the smugglers attacked, but timely intervention by police averted further harm. A significant amount of Sal wood was confiscated during the operation.

A case has been registered under multiple charges, including forest offenses, obstruction, and caste-based abuse. Of the seven individuals named in the complaint, police have apprehended four, and efforts to capture the remaining suspects are underway.