3 killed after their car 'set ablaze' in violent clash over sand mining dispute
Three people were killed, and several others injured in a brutal attack allegedly linked to a long-running sand mining dispute in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district. Police
Three people were killed, and several others injured in a brutal attack allegedly linked to a long-running sand mining dispute in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district. Police said that an SUV in which the victims were travelling was intercepted and allegedly set on fire by the accused, resulting in their death, while three others sustained serious burn injuries. Police said the clash took place on Tuesday night in the Sonhat area and involved rival groups with a history of conflict over local mining operations, prompting multiple arrests and a wider investigation into the circumstances that led to the violence. Read Full Story The victims were identified as Bharat Singh, also known as Lalla Singh and associated with the BJP, Virendra Pratap Singh, and Nagendra Singh. According to officials, two other injured persons remain under treatment.
Preliminary investigation indicates that tensions had existed for a long time between two groups allegedly led by Bharat Singh and members of the Tripathi family over sand mining and related business interests. Authorities said previous complaints and disputes had already been reported between both sides. Police said the violence unfolded after members of one group travelled to meet the rival faction following a phone conversation. During the confrontation, the victims were travelling in two vehicles, including a Toyota Fortuner SUV and a sedan. According to investigators, the Fortuner was allegedly intercepted, repeatedly hit by a light tipper truck and set on fire. The collision reportedly damaged the vehicle and jammed its doors, preventing those inside from escaping. Bharat Singh died at the scene after being trapped inside the burning vehicle.
Nagendra Singh suffered severe burn injuries and later died while being shifted for treatment to Raipur. Virendra Pratap Singh, who sustained grievous injuries during the incident, succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ambikapur. Police said occupants of the second vehicle were also attacked, leaving additional victims critically injured. They were first taken to Baikunthpur district hospital and later referred for advanced treatment. Some eyewitnesses alleged that fuel had been poured on the SUV before it was set ablaze. However, police have not confirmed that claim and said forensic examination is underway to determine whether the fire was deliberately started or occurred due to the impact of the vehicle collision, including contact with an electricity pole. Surguja Range Inspector General Deepak Jha visited the site and reviewed the investigation with local officials.
The BriefWire