Forest Officer Killed In Tribal Attack

A forest officer, Chalmala Srinivasa Rao, was killed in a tribal attack at Bendalapadu village of Chandrugonda mandal in Kothagudem on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when the officer tried to stop migrant Guthikoya tribals from cutting down trees in a plantation.

Rao, who suffered severe bleeding injuries on his head, was shifted to a nearby government hospital for treatment. He later to succumbed to his injuries.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao expressed sorrow over the death of Srinivasa Rao, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 50 lakh, and a government job to an eligible family member.

Extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Chief Minister ordered DGP M Mahender Reddy to take stern action and ensure that the offenders were punished to the severest extent permitted by per law.

KCR also directed officials to pay the full salary that Rao would have drawn until his retirement, to his family members.

Directions were also issued to Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to have the last rites of the FRO performed with State honours.

The Chief Minister directed Forest Minister A Indrakaran Reddy and erstwhile Khammam district Minister Ajay Kumar to attend the FRO's funeral, and to personally monitor the arrangements.

The Chief Minister said that attacks on government employees who were performing their duties would not be tolerated, and that the culprits would be severely punished.

Promising that the State government would extend all possible support to government employees, the Chief Minister asked them to perform their duties without fear.