A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in broad daylight in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Friday. The officer, identified as Tomesh Verma, was attacked with a knife in a market area near the collectorate.
The Attack: A Planned Assault in a Crowded Market
The incident occurred around 2:30 pm when Verma was speaking with a woman, Rama Shankar Sahu, in the market. According to the preliminary investigation, Sahu had contacted the officer over the phone to discuss an issue. Verma, who had to attend a police hearing in Dantewada, asked her to meet him there.
Unbeknownst to him, this was a trap. The woman was accompanied by a male associate, an ex-Army constable. During their conversation, the man allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked Verma, inflicting a long and deep injury on his neck. The attack took place as the officer was leaving the court after completing his work.
Swift Response and Arrests
A police jawan present at the spot immediately rushed to Verma's aid. The injured officer was quickly taken to the Dantewada district hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is reported to be stable following the timely intervention.
The two accused attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended after a short chase by the police. An FIR has been registered against the duo under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempted murder, and they have been formally arrested.
Background of a Personal Vendetta
Police sources revealed a history of conflict leading to the violent attack. The woman accused, Rama Shankar Sahu, is reportedly a distant relative of Deputy SP Tomesh Verma. In a previous legal battle, she had lodged a rape case against him in Durg district.
Verma, who has been posted in Sukma district for several years, was acquitted in that case in September. The police investigation suggests that the failed murder plot was orchestrated following his acquittal. "He had no idea that the woman and her male friend had planned to murder him," a police source stated.
The swift action of the on-duty jawan proved crucial in preventing a fatal outcome. The case highlights the risks faced by police officers and the personal vendettas that can spill over into public violence.
