Range Forest Officer (RFO) Nilesh Gawande and Forest Guard Premdas Bhakre posted at Bor Tiger Reserve, 70 kms from Wardha District were attacked by tourists on Wednesday.
Around 8 to 9 tourists all residents of Wardha arrived at Bor gate around 3:30 pm in three private vehicles and wanted to enter the park in those vehicles though the entry in private vehicles is banned.
When the Forest Guard Bhakre told the youths that Safari in private vehicles is not allowed and they have to hire gypsies the accused started abusing and assaulting the guard. The accused then turned to RFO’s quarter and manhandled Gawande. The accused even issued life threats to the duo. Guides and Gypsy drivers intervened and saved the situation.
Gawande later approached the police and filed a complaint. The police have registered an FIR and are investigating the case. In the meantime, the guides association and forest staff in Bor have threatened to close the park if the accused were not arrested within 24 hours.