A forest guard was left critically injured after being attacked by suspected sand miners in Rewari district in Haryana on Thursday evening. The incident took place in the Manethi area of the Aravalis, a hotspot for illegal sand mining despite repeated crackdowns.
Officials said forest guard Sanjay, 45, was patrolling the area with two colleagues around 5.30 pm when a group of seven to eight men allegedly involved in sand mining confronted them. The attackers allegedly isolated Sanjay from his team and beat him up brutally.
He suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Rewari government hospital. Doctors said his condition is critical.
A senior forest officer said " Sanjay filed a police complaint last month against certain persons involved in sand mining. The attack appears to be retaliation. The attackers first isolated Sanjay from the other staff and then thrashed him. Others tried their best to save him and finally he was taken to hospital as he is badly injured."
"We have not filed a complaint yet, but we will meet the police and deputy commissioner. Illegal mining in the Aravalis is a serious challenge and strict action will be taken against those involved," the officer added.
Illegal sand mining has long troubled the Aravali belt, often leading to violent clashes with forest officials.
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