Kendrapara, Mar 19: A forest patrolling team that went into Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary to patrol Olive ridley turtles,  was attacked by mafias in 17 trawlers in Kendrapara of Odisha district.

According to the reports, Yesterday, a team of the forest department went to the Hukitola front area of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary for patrolling purposes.

They saw 17 trawlers fishing illegally in the sea. When intercepted, the trawler mafia ganged up and attacked the patrolling team.

 At this time, the forest officials informed the police station and was able to escape from there.

However, to protect the Olive Ridley turtle, the blue waters of Gahiramatha have been stained with blood many times. 
Even fifteen years ago one forest officer was killed during a such attack by mafias.

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