Guna: Tension and fear have engulfed Ganeshpura village in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district after a shocking act of violence allegedly committed by a local BJP leader. What began as a long-standing land conflict turned into a gruesome killing on Sunday when BJP Booth Committee President Mahendra Nagar and his associates allegedly beat 40-year-old farmer Ramswaroop Dhakad to death before running him over with a Thar jeep.
According to eyewitness accounts, Ramswaroop was walking to his fields with his wife when he was ambushed by Nagar and nearly 14 others. The mob allegedly assaulted him with rods, sticks, and other weapons, leaving him with multiple fractures.
Family Assaulted; Daughters Dragged and Beaten
As Ramswaroop’s daughters rushed to save their father, they were also dragged, beaten, and humiliated, villagers told police. One of the daughters said the attackers fired shots in the air to threaten onlookers.
“They tore my clothes and beat my father mercilessly before running him over with the jeep,” she said in tears.
The attackers allegedly prevented locals from taking Ramswaroop to the hospital for nearly an hour, keeping the area under their control at gunpoint. When the victim was finally shifted to Guna District Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Villagers Allege Years of Land Grabbing
Residents of Ganeshpura claim Mahendra Nagar’s name has long been synonymous with fear. Several locals allege that he has been involved in illegal land grabbing and forced sales for years.
“At least 25 farmers have sold their land and fled. Those who resisted were beaten or driven out,” a villager said anonymously.
Ramswaroop reportedly refused to give up his six bighas of land in Pachlawada, Rajasthan, which became the motive for the deadly attack.
Police Launch Hunt; 14 Accused Booked
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vivek Asthana confirmed that a case has been registered against 14 people, including Mahendra Nagar and three women from his family, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering murder, conspiracy, assault, and outraging the modesty of women.
Asthana said the attack stemmed from an ongoing land feud and that raids are underway to arrest the accused.
Political Shockwaves and BJP’s Response
The incident has triggered strong political reactions across Madhya Pradesh. District BJP President Dharmendra Sikarwar acknowledged that Nagar is indeed part of the party structure.
“Yes, Mahendra Nagar is a booth president. We’ve written to senior officials for his immediate expulsion. No one is above the law,” he stated.
As investigations continue, the Guna tragedy has reignited concerns over rural land disputes, political protection, and law enforcement failures in the region.