A Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) from Sathanur range and his team were assaulted by enraged villagers while attempting to drive away a rogue elephant near Kabbalu forest. The attack took place between 9 pm and 10.30 pm on Friday at Halasinamaradoddi in Sathanur hobli, Kanakapura taluk. DRFO P Muthuswamy Naik lodged a complaint in Ramanagara on Saturday.

Frustration over frequent crop destruction by elephants and alleged delays in forest department action led to the confrontation. When confronted, Naik immediately sought police assistance, but even the responding officers were assaulted. The villagers allegedly threatened to set them on fire by dousing them with petrol.

Naik’s complaint named Kiran, KT Sundar, Guruprasad, Thimmesh, and Pratap as the attackers. Two policemen, Jagadish from Sathanur station and Sharanabasava from Channapatna District Armed Reserve (DAR), were also beaten. Contract patrolling staff Munesh, Shashikumar, and Shankaramurthy were among those assaulted.

The villagers reportedly blocked the forest team’s vehicle using stones, confining the staff. Upon learning of the attack, Naik alerted police control, prompting additional force deployment. The accused fled upon seeing reinforcements.

Three suspects—Kiran, KT Sundar, and Pratap—have been arrested and placed under judicial custody. Authorities continue searching for the remaining culprits. A case under BNS 109 (attempt to murder) and other sections has been filed.