BJP leader set ablaze after SUV sandwiched between 2 trucks
What's the story
A long-standing dispute over sand mining turned deadly in Chhattisgarh's Koriya district late Tuesday night. The violence left three people dead, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Janpad Panchayat President Bharat Singh, also known as Lalla Singh. Along with him, two others, including his cousin Nagendra Singh and Virendra Singh, were killed after their SUV was set on fire.
Allegations
Family alleges Singh was trapped during mediation
Singh's family claims he was lured into a trap while he had gone to mediate a sand mining dispute. They allege that his Fortuner SUV was surrounded by trucks in front of and behind it, while the SUV was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire. Another person, Mayank Singh, remains in critical condition at Apollo Hospital in Bilaspur with severe head and face injuries.
Investigation progress
Accused on the run, police launch manhunt
So far, four people have been arrested. A case has been registered against nine named accused under serious charges, including murder and attempted murder. The family, however, has demanded a CBI inquiry and harsh action against the accused, alleging the attack was carefully planned. The police are also on the lookout for other suspects. Additional Superintendent of Police Suresha Chaubey said that preliminary investigations point to a long-standing dispute over sand mining between the Tripathi and Thakur factions.
Locals
Sand quarry contract awarded to Singh's family
Initial reports said the sand quarry contract in the area was awarded to the family of the deceased BJP politician. Since then, there had been a bitter dispute over control of sand transportation and "illegal" collections associated with mining activities in Sonhat, Kailashpur, Telimuda, Beliya, and Chhingura. Tension had been apparently brewing for months between Singh's group and the family of another BJP leader, Manoj Tripathi.
Past disputes
Tripathi family owned tipper trucks
According to reports, the Tripathi family operated tipper trucks that transported sand to Baikunthpur. The disagreement apparently worsened over payments and control of sand mined from quarries. Sonhat SHO Vinod Paswan said previous cases had also been registered in connection with the dispute. He said Singh had stopped illicit sand mining for a while but lately resumed it.
Political response
Political leaders react to shocking incident
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders. Local MLA Bhaiyalal Rajwade expressed shock at such an unprecedented event in Koriya district's history. Former MLA Gulab Kamro condemned the act and demanded strict action against those responsible. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai assured that arrests have been made and investigations are underway, promising that anyone found guilty will face consequences.