Suryapet: Shepherds attack Environmentalist Satyanarayana in private forest
Suryapet : A noted environmentalist was attacked with sticks and axes inside the forest he developed over 15 years in Raghavapuram village of Suryapet district.
Attack follows dispute over grazing and tree cutting
Dusharla Satyanarayana, national president of Jal Sadhana Samithi, had converted 70 acres of inherited land into a forest by planting thousands of saplings. He visits the site twice a week from Nalgonda.
On Thursday, he objected to sheep grazing and tree felling in the forest. Police said shepherds Bayya Gangaiah and Mallaiah were cutting trees and grazing sheep when Satyanarayana asked them to stop.
Family members join assault; victim hospitalised
Following an argument, the two allegedly behaved aggressively. Their family members — Bayya Roshala, Sumalatha, Yashwanth and Anusha — joined them and attacked Satyanarayana with sticks and axes.
He sustained a severe head injury. Locals shifted him to the Government General Hospital in Suryapet.
Case registered based on complaint
According to Mothe police station sub-inspector Ajay Kumar, a case has been registered based on Satyanarayana’s complaint. Investigation is under way.
The forest, often visited by students and environmentalists for field study, has faced repeated issues of illegal grazing and tree cutting by locals from nearby villages.
