Tribal Man Dies After Assault by SDM and Aides in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur District
A tragic incident unfolded in Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, resulting in the death of a tribal man following an assault by a team led by a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and his three civilian aides. The attack occurred under the pretext of investigating suspicions of illegal bauxite mining near the Chhattisgarh–Jharkhand border.
Details of the Assault and Arrests
On Monday, police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) and arrested the SDM, identified as Karun Dahariya of Kusmi, along with his three aides—Vicky Singh alias Ajay Pratap Singh, Manjeet Kumar Yadav, and Sudeep Yadav—on charges of murder. The incident took place in Hanspur village, where the alleged accused, acting as if conducting a raid by the revenue department, arrived in two vehicles around 8–9 pm.
According to survivor statements to investigators, three tribal men—Ram Naresh Ram (60), Ajit Oraon (60), and Akash Agariya (20)—had gone to their fields for irrigation and were returning when the SDM's team stopped them. The survivors alleged that they were questioned about links to illegal mining and then brutally beaten with sticks, iron rods, kicks, and punches.
Ram Naresh Ram's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he died around 11 pm during treatment at the Kusmi community health centre. The two other injured men, Ajit Oraon and Akash Agariya, were hospitalized and are reported to be out of danger.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Surguja range Inspector General Deepak Jha stated that based on eyewitness accounts, spot inspection, seizure memos, and the post-mortem report, an FIR has been registered under murder sections. "The role of the SDM has been established. All four were arrested by the end of the day," Jha said. He added that tensions in the area were heightened due to the earlier interception of a bauxite-laden truck, indicating ongoing mining activity in the border belt.
Police are also examining why the SDM's team travelled in a private vehicle and why non-government persons were present during what was supposed to be an official inspection. These aspects are part of the ongoing probe into the sequence of events and accountability in the operation.
Political Fallout and Community Protests
The incident has escalated into a political flashpoint, with the Congress party alleging "administrative excess" and demanding strict action against the officials involved. Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel criticized the BJP government, stating, "The entire incident is linked to illegal bauxite mining. A few days ago, villagers had intercepted a truck engaged in illegal bauxite extraction and they ended up paying for it with a life. The entire BJP govt and its officials are neck-deep in corruption and are busy shielding and nurturing the corrupt."
Earlier, the episode triggered protests and a road blockade call by sections of the local tribal community, who warned of agitation if a case was not registered within 24 hours. In response, police deployed additional forces at the Kusmi hospital and police station to prevent any flare-ups.
This case highlights serious concerns about law enforcement and administrative conduct in tribal areas, with investigations ongoing to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
