Udala, Mar 16: The forest department officials have arrested a youth while he was setting fire in Similipal forest under Kaptipada range in Mayurbhanjh district today.

The accused has been identified as Manas Kumar Singh, a resident of Badajhada village.

According to the officials, Manas was setting fire inside the forest when the officials spotted him red-handed. Seeing the officials, Manas tried to run away but the officials chased and nabbed him.

Later, he was sent to police custody for further investigation.