BJP leader amongst 3 killed after SUV set ablaze in Chhatisgarh's Koriya over sand mining dispute
PTC News Desk: A long-standing dispute turned over sand mining turned into a horror in Chhatisgarh's Koriya district, leaving three persons, including a BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat president, dead, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred late on Tuesday night in Naugain village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sonhat police station. According to the victim's family, Bharat Singh had gone there to discuss a settlement in a dispute related to sand mining operations. However, they allege that he was lured into a carefully planned ambush.
Police have arrested four suspects so far — Akshat Tripathi, Vishal Tripathi, Satyaprakash Tripathi, and Mannu Tripathi — while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused. A case has been filed against nine named individuals on charges including murder and attempted murder.
The brutal attack has sparked outrage across Koriya district, prompting authorities to deploy a heavy police presence as tensions continue to run high.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the sand mining contract in the area had been awarded to Bharat Singh's family. Residents claim that this led to an intense rivalry over control of sand transportation and alleged illegal collections associated with mining activities in Sonhat, Kailashpur, Telimuda, Beliya, and Chhingura. The conflict had reportedly been brewing for several months between Bharat Singh's group and relatives of BJP leader Manoj Tripathi before erupting into violence on Tuesday night.
Investigators believe that the Fortuner SUV carrying Bharat Singh and his associates was intercepted and surrounded. Reports indicate that trucks were deliberately positioned in front of and behind the vehicle, preventing any escape. The attackers then allegedly set the SUV on fire.
Bharat Singh, who was previously associated with the Congress party, later joined the BJP during the tenure of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Considered an influential figure in the region, he was often seen travelling in a Fortuner SUV equipped with a hooter, reflecting the considerable influence and fear linked to the area's mining operations.
- With inputs from agencies
