Ranger tied to pole, thrashed during raid on illegal parrot trade

Raipur: A forest department flying squad that went to crack down on the alleged illegal sale of fledgling parrots was attacked in Bastar on Monday, leaving a ranger and other team members injured.The incident took place at Sanjay Market after the forest department received information that parrot chicks were being illegally bought and sold there. Acting on the tip-off, flying squad in-charge and ranger Akshay Kashyap reached the spot with his team and began action after allegedly finding the chicks being sold.The raid, however, triggered protests from some people present at the market and a group of traders. The argument soon escalated into violence, with the accused caught hold of Kashyap and his team members, tied them to a pole and began thrashing them. Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. Two accused, identified as Vikram Majumdar and Madhusudan Majumdar, were arrested. Police said efforts are on to identify and trace others involved in the attack.Officials said the case is linked to illegal wildlife trade and that the forest department and police are jointly investigating the matter.Police officer Leeladhar Rathore said an FIR has been registered on the ranger's complaint. "Two persons have been arrested and others on the run were being tracked," he said.Police said the accused will face action for obstructing govt work, assaulting public servants and under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. The administration said strict action will continue against illegal wildlife trade and those taking the law into their own hands.