According to the Mineral Department, the team acted on specific information about illegal murum extraction on a hill near a sheep farm in Minaura. When officials reached the site, they found mining in progress using a tractor. On spotting the inspection team, those involved in the mining fled, leaving the tractor behind.

While fleeing, one labourer reportedly fell and suffered a head injury. The mineral team seized the tractor and began returning from the site when the situation escalated.

Mineral Officer Vipul Rawat said that during the return, four men arrived on motorcycles and scooters and blocked the tractor in an attempt to free the seized vehicle. “They stopped the tractor on the road and began arguing with the team. The confrontation soon turned violent,” Rawat said.

During the clash, Mineral Inspector Kuldeep Jain sustained a head injury after being assaulted. Other officials were also reportedly beaten. Witnesses and officials said the attackers were armed with iron rods and sticks.

Following the incident, Kotwali police registered cases against five individuals for obstructing government work and assaulting officials on duty. The accused have been identified as Arvind Rai, Ravi Rai and Jitendra Rai, residents of Kundeshwar, and Chandu Adivasi, a resident of Minaura. Police said further investigation is underway.

However, the incident has taken a counter-allegation turn. Two labourers injured during the episode later approached Kotwali police station, accusing members of the mineral team of assault. As of now, no case has been registered against the officials.

Kotwali Station In-Charge Brijendra Singh Ghosh said both sides have been directed to undergo medical examinations. “Action will be taken after receiving and examining the medical reports of the injured from both sides,” he said.

The incident came into wider public attention after a video related to the confrontation surfaced on Saturday. Authorities said the footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation.

District officials stated that illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in the region and assured strict action against those involved in violence or unlawful extraction. Security measures for field officials are also expected to be reviewed in light of the attack.