Forest department staff hacked to death over argument in Haldwani

A contractual employee of the forest department was allegedly hacked to death with an axe in the Tanda forest here following an argument with his associate, and both men were reportedly drunk, police said on Saturday.

According to an official, residents informed police about the murder on Sunday morning.

Police officer Amit Kumar Saini said the victim, identified as 50-year-old Mewa Lal, worked as a plantation watcher with the forest department in the Tanda range of Haldwani in Nainital district and was originally a resident of Kaushambi district in Uttar Pradesh.

Saini said the preliminary investigation revealed that Mewa Lal argued with his associate, Tiwari Singh, while they were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

He said Singh then allegedly attacked Mewa Lal with an axe, killing him on the spot and fled from the crime scene.

The body has been sent for a post-mortem, while multiple police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused, officials said.

Police said an investigation is underway. DPT ASD ASD

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