Balasore, May 16: In a chilling incident of criminal threats, a junior mining officer was assaulted by local mafia in Sundarpur, Balasore district late last night. The attackers reportedly damaged his vehicle by crushing it with stones and threatened his life.

According to sources, the incident occurred when mafia members were illegally extracting minor minerals in the Khaira area of Sundarpur.

Abhishek Behera, the junior mining officer, arrived at the spot to intervene and stop the illegal activity. On witnessing him, the mafia allegedly launched an unprovoked attack, breaking the windows of his vehicle and issuing death threats.

The officer managed to escape unharmed from the scene and later lodged a complaint at Khaira police station.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.