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India Today
01-08-2025
- India Today
Tribal man found dead in Tamil Nadu forest office, family alleges custodial death
A man belonging to a tribal community was found dead in the toilet of the Udumalaipet Forest Range Office in Tamil Nadu, with his family alleging custodial death, triggering protests by local to a complaint filed by Pandiammal, the wife of the deceased, Marimuthu had been acquitted in a case related to ganja cultivation on July 29. She stated that on the following day, Marimuthu informed the family that he was going to meet his lawyer but failed to return. On the morning of July 31, around 8.30 am, Pandiammal said she was informed that her husband had died by suicide inside the forest her statement to the Udumalaipet Police Inspector, Pandiammal claimed that Marimuthu had been picked up by officials from the Udumalaipet Forest Range and was being illegally detained when he died. She alleged that he had not died by suicide but had been subjected to custodial violence. Sources in the Forest Department stated that Marimuthu had been detained for questioning in connection with the seizure of body parts of endangered species. The seizure was made by Kerala Police during a vehicle check at Sinnaru, after which he was handed over to the Udumalaipet Forest Range Office. Forest officials confirmed that Marimuthu was later found hanging in the of the tribal community, along with supporters from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), staged a protest alleging that Marimuthu had been beaten to death. They demanded that a case be filed against the forest officials under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A case of custodial death has been registered, and Magistrate Nithya Kala has commenced an inquiry into the incident.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
String of suspicious fires at Bhadrawati Range Office causes concern
Nagpur: The Forest Range Office premises in Bhadrawati has been experiencing a concerning series of unexplained fires. The latest incident occurred around 9.30pm on Sunday, when Round Officer Vikas Shinde's vehicle was completely burnt, raising significant security concerns about the premises. This incident marks the fifth occurrence since April 12, when an initial fire broke out at the forest department's godown. Subsequent fires have affected various areas within the campus, including storage facilities and quarters. Notably, most destroyed items and documents have been connected to Round Officer Shinde. Sunday night's incident has intensified concerns about intentional wrongdoing. The Bolero (MH 32-5437), stationed near Shinde's residential quarters on the office grounds, suddenly caught fire on Sunday night. According to witnesses, forest staff attempted to extinguish the flames using buckets and pipes whilst onlookers gathered. Despite their efforts, the vehicle was completely destroyed. The situation was complicated by the non-arrival of a fire engine requested from the Municipal Council, leaving forest staff to handle the emergency independently. The recurring nature of these fires targeting Shinde's work-related items has raised serious questions. Previous incidents damaged essential office records, wooden furniture, cement bags, oil paints, and brushes. Several fires occurred near Shinde's quarters, including one that destroyed a storage unit containing his official documents. "These incidents appear suspicious and aren't typical electrical faults," stated Range Forest Officer (RFO) Kiran Dhankute. "While short circuits might explain two cases, the others require further investigation. The pattern is concerning, particularly as the affected items consistently relate to one officer. We've reported this to the police and initiated an internal investigation," she explained. The local community and staff are considering whether these incidents result from internal interference, personal grievances, or a larger scheme. Police Inspector Lata Wadive is overseeing the investigation. The forest department has increased security measures across the premises. The incidents have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern at the Range Office, with questions remaining about the perpetrator's identity and motives. The situation remains unresolved, leaving authorities to determine whether these fires are attempts to destroy evidence, communicate threats, or create disorder.
