Nepali Citizens Torched Forest Outposts After Detention Row

Over 20 Nepali citizens reportedly set ablaze three temporary forest outposts at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary following the detention of a fellow citizen. The offenders have fled to Nepal, and an FIR has been filed against 10 individuals for illegal tree cutting.

Over 20 Nepali citizens allegedly set fire to three temporary forest outposts at the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary following the detention of a fellow citizen, according to officials.

All the accused have fled to Nepal, authorities confirmed.

An FIR was registered against 10 Nepali citizens in November on charges of illegal tree cutting, and a search is ongoing for their apprehension, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Katarniaghat Division B Shiv Shankar told PTI.

On Friday night, forest personnel detained a Nepalese individual for questioning on suspicion in the Dharmapur forest area of the Katarniaghat forest range, Shankar said.

However, after questioning, it was found that the person was not involved in the incident and was subsequently released. Angered by the episode, 20-25 Nepali citizens reportedly created chaos and allegedly set three forest outposts on fire before fleeing to Nepal, he said.

The DFO mentioned that the decision to file a police case or take necessary action under forest department rules would depend on directions from senior officials.

The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich is located near the Nepal-India border.