BJP Leader, 2 Others Burnt Alive After Car Sandwiched Between Trucks, Torched Over Mining Dispute
BJP Leader, 2 Others Burnt Alive After Car Sandwiched Between Trucks, Torched Over Mining Dispute Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 13:27 IST Differences
BJP Leader, 2 Others Burnt Alive After Car Sandwiched Between Trucks, Torched Over Mining Dispute Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 13:27 IST Differences over payments and control of sand extracted from the quarries allegedly intensified over time, turning the rivalry into a fight for dominance and influence. Rapid Read The incident has left the district tense, prompting the deployment of a heavy police force. (X) Three people, including BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat President Bharat Singh alias Lalla Singh, were killed in a gruesome incident in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district after a long-running dispute over sand mining allegedly spiralled into deadly violence. The attack took place late on Tuesday night in Naugain village under the Sonhat police station area. According to the family of the deceased, Bharat Singh had gone to hold talks aimed at resolving a dispute related to sand quarry operations. They alleged that instead of a settlement, he was ambushed. Police have arrested four accused identified as Akshat Tripathi, Vishal Tripathi, Satyaprakash Tripathi and Mannu Tripathi, while efforts are underway to trace others. Nine people have been named in the case, which includes charges of murder and attempted murder, NDTV reported. The incident has left the district tense, prompting the deployment of a heavy police force. Initial reports suggest that the sand quarry contract in the region had been awarded to Bharat Singh’s family.
Residents alleged that disputes over the transportation of sand and “illegal" collections linked to mining operations in Sonhat, Kailashpur, Telimuda, Beliya and Chhingura had created friction between Bharat Singh’s group and the family of BJP leader Manoj Tripathi for several months. According to locals, the Tripathi family owned tipper trucks used to transport sand to Baikunthpur. Differences over payments and control of sand extracted from the quarries allegedly intensified over time, turning the rivalry into a fight for dominance and influence. The conflict reached a violent climax on Tuesday night. Investigators said the Fortuner SUV carrying Bharat Singh and his associates was allegedly blocked by trucks from both sides, leaving no route for escape. The vehicle was then allegedly doused with petrol and set ablaze. Bharat Singh died inside the burning SUV. Virendra Singh, who suffered injuries in the attack, later succumbed during treatment. The third victim, Nagendra Singh, a teacher and cousin of Bharat Singh, also lost his life. Mayank Singh, who was injured in the incident, is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Bilaspur and remains in critical condition with severe head and facial injuries. Bharat Singh had earlier been associated with the Congress before joining the BJP during the Bhupesh Baghel government’s tenure. Known as an influential figure in the area, he frequently travelled in a Fortuner SUV equipped with a hooter.
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