MANDI (Munish Sood)
Himachal Pradesh IAS officer Omkant Thakur, posted as Mandi-Sadar SDM, was allegedly attacked by illegal miners while taking action against the mining mafia near Beas river on Monday (February 10, 2025) evening. The attack resulted in the officer losing one of his teeth.
According to reports, the Himachal Pradesh IAS officer had reached Vrindavani on the banks of the river near Mandi on the Mandi-Manali highway to inspect illegal mining activities when three persons, engaged in unlawful excavation, turned aggressive.
Driver intervenes to protect SDM
In a fit of rage, they assaulted the SDM, allegedly attempting to hit him with stones. His driver intervened to protect him, but the assailants managed to flee the scene after the attack.
Thakur, who sustained injuries to his face, was rushed to the Zonal Hospital in Mandi where a dentist provided immediate medical treatment. Following the incident, Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, ADC Rohit Rathore, ADM Madan Kumar and ASP Sagar Chander reached the hospital to assess the situation.
Police take action, main accused arrested
Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan confirmed that the attack occurred during an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining. He said the officer’s condition was stable, and that he had been discharged after receiving primary medical care.
“We will not spare those involved in illegal mining. Strict action will be taken against all culprits,” said Devgan.
ASP Sagar Chander confirmed that the main accused had been arrested, and that an FIR had been registered. A search operation was underway to apprehend the remaining two attackers, he said.
