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Villagers `detain' forest official

By Our Staff Reporter

ADILABAD, FEB. 7. Some unidentified villagers, who were allegedly cutting trees in the Pembi forest area, 150 km from here, reportedly took hostage a Forest Section Officer (FSO), who tried to prevent them from doing so in Vayupet village under Pembi police station limits on Saturday evening.

Reports reaching here said the FSO, Laxman, working in Itikyal section of Pembi range, was on routine inspection of the forest area when he came across some persons felling trees. The official questioned them as to why they were cutting trees.

The villagers, who took offence to the official accosting them allegedly took him to Vayupet village, 25 km from Pembi police station in the interior forest. The officer was still being held hostage by villagers when last reports came in.

The Nirmal Forest Divisional Officer, P.V. Raja Rao, speaking to The Hindu tonight on telephone from Nirmal, confirmed that one of their officials was held hostage by the villagers.

As the village is situated in the interior forest area, the police and other officials could not reach the place. Efforts were on to secure the release of the official, Mr. Raja Rao, said adding that the district police had launched efforts to free the official.

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