Dewas forest guard attack: 4 arrested within hours in MP anti-encroachment drive
Synopsis
A routine forest anti-encroachment drive in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district turned violent on 13 June when a mob of around 20-25 villagers allegedly attacked five forest guards with sticks and stones and vandalised government vehicles. Police arrested four accused within four hours — but say more arrests are coming as the probe expands.
Key Takeaways
Four persons arrested within four hours of the attack on Forest Department personnel in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh on 13 June .
Accused identified as Shivam Dabar (24) , Vishal Bundela (26) , Mansaram (50) , and Dhannalal Bamaniya (50) .
A mob of approximately 20 to 25 villagers allegedly attacked officials with sticks, clubs, and stones, injuring five Forest Department employees .
Attackers also allegedly vandalised government vehicles and a JCB machine deployed for the encroachment removal operation.
Case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act ; further arrests are expected.
Police in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district arrested four persons within four hours of a mob attack on Forest Department personnel during an anti-encroachment operation at Bhil Amla village on 13 June, officials said. The swift action came under the directions of Dewas Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlod, with multiple teams deployed across the village and surrounding areas.
How the Violence Unfolded
Forest Department officers and staff had reached Bhil Amla village under Kamalapur police station limits to remove alleged encroachments from forest land. A group of approximately 20 to 25 villagers allegedly gathered at the site and opposed the drive. The crowd reportedly attacked officials with sticks, clubs, and stones, injuring five Forest Department employees, who were subsequently shifted for medical treatment.
The attackers also allegedly vandalised government vehicles and a JCB machine deployed for the operation, causing what officials described as substantial damage to public property.
The Four Accused and Swift Arrests
The four persons arrested were identified as Shivam Dabar (24), Vishal Bundela (26), Mansaram (50), and Dhannalal Bamaniya (50). According to police, the arrests were completed within hours of the incident following coordinated raids in the village and nearby areas.
Officers who rushed to the scene to restore order included Bagli Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Sanjay Singh Bais, Kamalapur Station House Officer Manoj Singh, and Bijwad Outpost In-charge Vinay Singh Baghel, along with police personnel.
Case Registered, More Arrests Likely
A case has been registered at Kamalapur police station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Officials stated that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects from the crowd of around 20 to 25 individuals. A police official said strict action would be taken against all those found to have attacked government employees or damaged public property.
Context and What Comes Next
Anti-encroachment drives on forest land have periodically triggered local resistance across central Indian states, particularly in districts with significant tribal and agrarian communities. This incident in Dewas follows a pattern where such operations escalate into confrontations between officials and residents opposing land clearances. Investigators say further arrests are likely as the probe widens to cover all participants in the alleged assault.
Point of View
Where the line between genuine encroachment and customary land use is frequently contested. The real accountability test is not the speed of arrests but whether the underlying land dispute is addressed through due process — or whether the next drive simply produces the next confrontation.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the anti-encroachment drive in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh?
On 13 June, a mob of around 20 to 25 villagers allegedly attacked Forest Department personnel with sticks, clubs, and stones during an encroachment removal operation at Bhil Amla village in Dewas district. Five forest guards were injured and government vehicles, including a JCB machine, were allegedly vandalised.
Who were the four persons arrested in the Dewas forest guard attack?
The four arrested are Shivam Dabar (24), Vishal Bundela (26), Mansaram (50), and Dhannalal Bamaniya (50). Police made the arrests within four hours of the incident following raids in Bhil Amla village and surrounding areas.
What charges have been filed in connection with the Dewas attack?
A case has been registered at Kamalapur police station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Police say further investigation is underway and additional arrests are likely.
Are more arrests expected in the Dewas forest guard attack case?
Yes. Police officials confirmed that efforts were continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals from the crowd of approximately 20 to 25 people present during the attack. Raids were ongoing in the village and nearby areas at the time of reporting.
Why do anti-encroachment drives sometimes lead to violence in Madhya Pradesh?
Anti-encroachment drives on forest land frequently encounter resistance in central Indian districts where communities have long-standing ties to the land being cleared. Disputes over what constitutes encroachment versus customary use can escalate into confrontations between officials and residents, as seen in this Dewas incident.
