Bhubaneswar, April 19: Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Vyasanagar Tahsildar Prashant Kumar Panda, who was intentionally run over by a tractor during a raid against illegal mining near Minabazar Chowk under Korei police limits in Jajpur district.

During the operation, Korei police seized five tractors and two JCB machines allegedly involved in unlawful soil extraction. The accused have been charged under multiple sections, including attempt to murder, at Korei police station.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the Tahsildar, acting on a tip-off about unauthorized soil excavation from a pond, arrived at the site with his team. As officials attempted to halt the activity and question those operating the machinery, tensions escalated.

According to reports, some individuals tried to flee the scene, and in the process, one of them deliberately drove a tractor into the Tahsildar, running him over in what authorities describe as a clear attempt to kill him and evade arrest.

Panda sustained severe injuries and was initially taken to Korei Community Health Centre before being shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment. He remains hospitalized and is said to be in critical but stable condition.