Tensions erupt in Adilabad as podu farmers attack police during afforestation drive

Hyderabad: Eight policemen, including the Ichoda SI, were injured when podu farmers pelted stones at officials during an afforestation drive in Adilabad district’s Keshavapatnam village under the Sirichelma forest range.

Forest officials and police had gone to compartments 172 and 174 to plant saplings as part of the annual plantation programme. Podu cultivators objected, claiming the land was theirs. The farmers uprooted the saplings and warned officials not to touch the land.

Tensions escalated further on Sunday when officials returned with police backup. Villagers reportedly confronted them in large numbers and launched a coordinated attack, injuring eight and damaging a police vehicle. The injured personnel were shifted to the RIMS Hospital.

Forest department sources said women farmers threatened suicide if the officials proceeded. The previous day’s confrontation ended without incident, but Sunday’s deployment triggered open violence.

In response, heavy police reinforcements were rushed to Keshavapatnam. Adilabad SP Akhil Mahajan reached Ichoda police station and is overseeing the situation. Talks are ongoing between forest officials and senior police officers over the long-standing dispute involving podu lands.