Balasore, Mar 26: A shocking incident has surfaced in Odisha’s forest department, where allegations of assault have been levelled against Kuldiha Range ACF Subrata Behera.

According to reports, a forest guard and a local resident were seriously injured following a late‑night altercation near Kalakada Square.

The victims, identified as Padmalochan Patra of Khumtuna village and Khirod Das of Saladaha village, were admitted to Fakir Mohan Medical College in Balasore with severe injuries.

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The dispute, according to our source, began when a Bolero vehicle overtook the ACF’s Thar car while he was returning from a raid with his staff. Angered, the ACF allegedly stopped the vehicle, leading to a heated argument with suspended forest guard Padmalochan Patra.

Witnesses claim that the ACF and his team then assaulted Patra and Das, leaving them critically injured. Later, the victims were allegedly coerced into signing a compromise petition at Barhampur police station under threats. Their families subsequently shifted them to Remuna Medical College for treatment.

The suspended forest guard has lodged a formal complaint against ACF Behera, accusing him of abuse of power and physical assault. However, Behera has denied the allegations, stating that he was on duty and was instead harassed by Patra.

Responding to the controversy, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) clarified that no official complaint has yet reached his office. He assured that if any complaint is filed, a departmental inquiry will be initiated to ascertain the facts.