Chhattisgarh News: The old rivalry over the sand mining business in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district took a horrifying form on Tuesday night. Three people, including BJP leader Bharat Singh, were killed, while two others were seriously injured in a violent clash between two groups in Katgodi village of Sonhat tehsil. There is an atmosphere of tension in the entire area after the incident. Police have arrested four accused in the case and the search for other suspects is on.
Bloody conflict over sand mining
According to the police, the dispute is the result of a long-standing enmity between two families over sand mining business. On Tuesday night, Bharat Singh and some of his friends had come in two different vehicles to meet people from the opposing side. During this time, the dispute between the two parties increased so much that the matter turned into a violent clash.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the attackers hit Bharat Singh’s vehicle Toyota Fortuner several times with a tipper truck. Due to this, the vehicle was badly damaged and its doors got jammed, due to which the people sitting inside could not get out.
Fortuner caught fire, Bharat Singh burnt alive
According to eyewitnesses, the Fortuner caught fire after the collision. BJP leader Bharat Singh (60), who was traveling in the vehicle, was caught in the fire and died tragically on the spot. It is said that some people were trying to get out by breaking the windows of the vehicle, but they were also attacked. Nagendra Singh, who was in the Fortuner, was seriously burnt. He was being taken to Raipur for treatment, but he died on the way.
Skoda car was also targeted
The attackers also targeted another car, a Skoda sedan. Virendra Pratap Singh, who was traveling in this vehicle, was seriously injured. He was admitted to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital, where he died during treatment. Two other injured are undergoing treatment in Raipur and their condition is said to be critical.
Police engaged in investigation, four accused arrested
As soon as information about the incident was received, the police reached the spot and controlled the situation. Police have registered a case under murder, attempt to murder and other serious sections and arrested four accused. Officials say that continuous raids are being conducted to identify and arrest other accused.
Investigation into the cause of the fire continues
Many questions are also being raised regarding the incident. Some eyewitnesses claim that the attackers sprinkled petrol on the Fortuner and set it on fire. However, the police have not confirmed this yet. Investigation has also revealed that the vehicle had collided with an electric pole. The forensic team is trying to find out whether the fire was started intentionally or accidentally.
Demand for CBI investigation, politics also heated up
After the incident, representatives of Kshatriya community have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai demanding a CBI investigation into the matter. They allege that it was a pre-planned murder and the victims were attacked on the pretext of an agreement. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has said that the culprits will not be spared at any cost and strict action will be taken as per the law. On the other hand, Congress has targeted the government, calling this incident a result of increasing illegal mining and political patronage in the state.