Simulia: A driver of the Forest department sustained critical injuries after being attacked by timber smugglers in Balasore district Sunday morning. The injured official was identified as Atmaram Sen, 29, a driver posted at the Kupari forest range.
Sen was initially admitted to the Simulia Community Health Centre and later shifted to Bhadrak Medical College and Hospital.
A resident of Saundia village under Makhanpur panchayat in Khaira block, Atmaram, was reportedly at his native village when forest officials received information about a vehicle transporting illegal timber from the area.
Acting on the tip-off, he chased the vehicle on a motorcycle.
The accused allegedly waylaid him on a bridge over the Kansabansa River near the Bakreshwar Mahadev temple, assaulted him and vandalised his motorcycle.
The attackers allegedly looted his mobile phone and gold chain before fleeing the spot.
A complaint has been lodged against three accused, Khanga Rout, Raju Rout and Goutam Rout in connection with the incident.