A surge in violent crime has put the spotlight on the law and order situation in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh. In the past 72 hours alone, capital Raipur has witnessed seven murders, prompting the opposition Congress to question the state’s security apparatus.
The recent wave of crimes has left Chhattisgarh on edge, and calls for the resignation of Home Minister Vijay Sharma are mounting. The Congress has taken aim at the Vishnu Deo Sai government over its “failure” to maintain law and order in the state after it came to power ten months ago.
A timeline of recent high-profile crimes in Chhattisgarh:
In Raipur, a murder spree involving seven killings within three days has shaken the city’s residents. Victims ranging from a 70-year-old man to young couples have fallen prey to violent attacks.
Raipur SSP Santosh Singh initiated a damage control response, mobilising resources to restore a sense of security. Police have made six arrests linked to the string of murders, most of which were carried out with sharp weapons.
Incidents of theft at knifepoint have also surged, adding to the public's unease.
In June, Chhattisgarh witnessed one of its most intense protests when around 8,000 to 9,000 people gathered at the Baloda Bazar collectorate and set the office ablaze, torching approximately 100 vehicles.
The protest was sparked by grievances from the Satnami community, which demanded a CBI investigation into the desecration of their religious symbol, the Jaitkham. Tensions boiled over when their demands went unanswered.
The protest left over 25 police personnel injured, forcing authorities to impose Section 144 in the area.
On September 15, Prashant Sahu, 27, died in police custody in Kawardha after he was allegedly subjected to torture. Sahu had been detained in connection with the death of Kachru Sahu, a suspected homicide in Madhya Pradesh. His family and the Congress allege he was brutally assaulted in custody.
In response, the state removed Kawardha’s collector, superintendent of police, and 23 other officials.
Less than a month after the Kawardha incident, Surajpur was rocked by the brutal killing of police head constable Talib Sheikh’s wife and daughter. The accused, Kuldeep Sahu, allegedly attacked the victims with a sword, leaving their bodies in a nearby field.
Following the double murder, angry residents set Sahu’s property ablaze, escalating tensions in the area. The state government responded by removing the Surajpur superintendent of police.
On October 24, another custodial death added to the state’s woes. Guruchand Mandal, who had approached Balrampur police to report his missing wife, was taken into custody as a suspect and later found dead in a police station bathroom.
Authorities reported he died by suicide; however, his family and local residents alleged foul play. Following the incident, tensions ran high as protesters vandalised the police station, resulting in a police crackdown.
