Bolangir, June 30: Six Forest Department personnel were injured after they were allegedly attacked by a group of villagers during a confrontation over encroached forest land in Jubamal village under the Bangomunda Forest Range in Odisha's Balangir district on Tuesday.

According to officials, the incident took place in the Mundapara area of Jubamal village, where the Forest Department had recently undertaken an afforestation drive after identifying alleged encroachment on forest land.

A forester had visited the site to inspect the plantation work when he was allegedly confronted by several villagers. The confrontation reportedly turned violent, with the forester being assaulted with sticks.

Following the attack, the forester alerted senior officials, prompting additional forest guards and members of the para squad to rush to the spot. However, they too were allegedly attacked after reaching the village.

The incident left one forester, three forest guards and two para squad members injured. All the injured personnel received medical treatment.

The alleged assault came to light after a video of the incident surfaced on social media and quickly went viral, triggering widespread concern over the attack on government officials performing official duties.

Tension prevailed in the area following the incident, while police and forest officials stepped up security measures.

Police at Turekela Police Station have launched an investigation to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the clash. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those allegedly involved in the attack, some of whom are reported to have fled the area.

Authorities have not yet issued a detailed official statement on the incident, and further investigation is in progress.