Koriya (Chhattisgarh): A dispute allegedly linked to illegal sand mining turned deadly in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district, leaving three people, including a BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat president, dead after their vehicle was allegedly attacked and set ablaze, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night in Naugai village under the Sonhat police station area.
According to police, a group allegedly associated with illegal sand mining intercepted an SUV carrying the victims, blocked its path and later set the vehicle on fire following an ongoing dispute between the two sides. One of the victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to injuries during treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Bharat Singh alias Lalla Singh, a BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat president, Virendra Singh and Nagendra Singh.
Police have named Manoj Tripathi as the main accused in the case. Investigators allege that he, along with several associates, attacked the victims before torching the SUV.
Security forces rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident and conducted a detailed investigation at the crime scene.
Surguja Range Inspector General of Police Deepak Jha said a case has been registered at Sonhat police station under charges of murder, arson and other relevant provisions of law.
Police have booked nine named accused along with several unidentified persons. Four suspects have been arrested so far, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.
“There was a dispute between the two sides and the exact reason behind it is being investigated. An altercation had also taken place earlier on Wednesday, for which a complaint had been lodged. The fatal incident occurred around 10 pm,” Jha said.
Following the killings, authorities have tightened security arrangements in Naugai village and nearby Baikunthpur town to prevent any escalation of tensions.
Police have appealed for peace and assured strict action against all those found involved in the crime. The investigation is continuing to determine the precise circumstances that led to the violent confrontation.
