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BJP leader burnt alive in Korea sand mining clash
Raipur: A long-standing dispute over sand mining turned deadly in Chhattisgarh's Korea district, leaving three people dead, including a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, after a violent attack involving arson and assault. Police have arrested four accused and launched an extensive manhunt for the remaining suspects named in the case.
The incident took place on Tuesday night in Katgodi village under Sonhat tehsil. According to police, the victims were travelling in two vehicles, including an SUV, when they were allegedly ambushed by members of a rival group linked to an ongoing sand mining rivalry in the region.
Investigators said the attackers rammed the SUV with a truck, causing the vehicle to catch fire. While some occupants managed to escape by breaking the vehicle's windows and doors, others were trapped inside. Those who fled were reportedly chased and attacked by the assailants.
Among the deceased was 60-year-old Bharat Singh, who is reported to have been associated with the BJP. The other victims were identified as 32-year-old Virendra Pratap Singh and 53-year-old Nagendra Singh. Police said Virendra Pratap Singh sustained fatal injuries from a sharp-edged weapon, while Nagendra Singh suffered severe burn injuries and later succumbed.
Authorities believe the attack stemmed from a long-running dispute between Bharat Singh and members of the Tripathi family over sand mining operations in the area. Tensions reportedly escalated on Tuesday, culminating in the deadly confrontation.
Providing an update on the investigation, Surguja Range Inspector General Deepak Kumar Jha said nine accused have been named in the FIR. "Four accused have been arrested so far, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects. The incident appears to be linked to an ongoing dispute between the two sides," he said.
Political Row
The killings have triggered a political row in the state. Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij alleged that illegal sand mining is flourishing under political protection and claimed that both the deceased and the accused had links to the BJP.
"Sand mafias are operating under government patronage in Chhattisgarh. Illegal mining activities are being carried out under the protection of BJP leaders. The deceased was a BJP leader, and those accused of the attack are also linked to the BJP," Baij alleged.
The BJP has not yet issued an official statement regarding Bharat Singh's reported association with the party.
Outrage among Kshatriya community
The incident has also sparked outrage among members of the Kshatriya community, who have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killings. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has taken cognisance of the matter and assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
