Man Allegedly Tries to Run Over Two Women Officers During Illegal Logging Probe in Valsad

Two women forest officials in Valsad district’s Dharampur taluka narrowly escaped after a man allegedly attempted to run them over with his car outside the Hanmatmal Range Forest Office while they were investigating a case of illegal tree cutting.

The accused, identified as Dilip Bendubhai Ravan, allegedly carried out the attack after a case was registered against him for illegal logging of Kher trees on government forest land. The Dharampur Police have registered a case and started an investigation.

Accused Allegedly Attacks Forest Staff Over Logging Case

According to the Forest Department, Kher trees had been illegally cut from government forest land in Mamabhacha village under the Hanmatmal forest range.

During the investigation, officials allegedly found that Dilip Ravan, a resident of Rajpuri Jungle area of Hatwada Phalia, was involved in the tree cutting. Hanmatmal Round Forester Renukaben Bhoya subsequently registered a case against him and began further inquiry.

Police said the accused was allegedly angry over the action taken by the Forest Department.

Car Driven Towards Two Women Officers

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday night when Ravan arrived at the Hanmatmal Range Forest Office in a Maruti Brezza car (GJ-15-SQ-2676).

At the office gate, he allegedly confronted Round Forester Renukaben Bhoya and Forester Lataben Ahir, who had come out from their quarters.

Police said Ravan then drove the vehicle at high speed towards the two officers, allegedly attempting to hit them. The women officers managed to move behind a pillar near the gate, avoiding the impact.

Threats Recorded on Mobile Phone

Following the alleged attempt, the accused reportedly issued threats from inside the car, warning the officials against carrying out their duties.

Forest staff members recorded parts of the incident on their mobile phones. The video evidence has reportedly been handed over to authorities as part of the investigation.

After hearing the commotion, Bit Guard Vandanaben and Range Forest Officer Nilesh Patel reached the spot. The RFO informed the police, but the accused allegedly fled before officers arrived.

Police Register Case, Investigation Underway

The Dharampur Police have registered a case against Dilip Ravan based on the complaint and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of forest officials involved in preventing illegal activities on forest land.