Hyderabad, June 30 -- The Community Network Against Protected Areas (CNAPA) released a statement demanding an inquiry into a recent clash between Adivasi women and forest officials at Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve.

The incident occurred on June 16 when a group of Adivasi women were returning to Bakua in a pickup truck carrying roofing materials.

When they reached a forest check gate near Khejuri village, the officials denied entry. The women pleaded with them that it would be difficult to carry the heavy materials on their own in the rain, but the officials did not budge and instead assaulted them, tore their clothes and hurled sexist comments at them.

This altercation, according to CNAPA, led to a protest and led to the dismantling...