Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Feb 3: A violent clash between two communities over an old dispute triggered large-scale unrest in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district on Sunday, leading to arson, injuries and heavy police deployment. At least 10 houses were set on fire and three to four vehicles were burnt in Dutkaiya village under the Fingeshwar police station limits.
Police said the situation is currently under control and three accused have been arrested so far. Additional forces have been deployed in the area, while video footage is being examined to identify other anti-social elements involved in the violence.
According to police and local residents, the incident is linked to Arif, described as an anti-social youth from the village. Two years ago, he was allegedly involved in vandalising a village temple, an incident that had created tension and led to his arrest. Locals said he was released from jail a few days ago and, after returning to the village, allegedly assaulted residents who had earlier complained against him, triggering fresh unrest.
Residents alleged that Arif, along with his associates Imran and Salim, attacked villagers with stones and knives, injuring at least seven people. As tensions escalated, a mob allegedly surrounded houses linked to the accused and set them ablaze, destroying household belongings and vehicles parked inside.
Local resident Santosh said the assault by Arif and his associates preceded the arson. Another villager, Jitendra Kumar Yadav, said the same accused had vandalised the village’s Shiva temple about one-and-a-half years ago and are currently out on bail, adding that the present violence stemmed from the unresolved dispute.
Around 30 people from families affected by the arson have reached Raipur seeking safety and assistance. Victims Zarinashahnaz and Daulat Bi recounted that after the initial assault, a mob gathered rapidly and blocked both access roads to their homes. “We called the police on 112, but before they arrived, the mob started setting our houses on fire. They assaulted us and burnt our homes. We narrowly escaped with our lives with police help,” they said.
The victims further alleged that women, children and elderly persons were also beaten. When the houses were set ablaze, women and children were inside. Police teams reached the spot and, after considerable effort, rescued them and shifted them to Rajim for safety. During the rescue operation, clashes also broke out between police and the mob, leaving several police personnel injured.
Raipur Range IG Amresh Mishra rushed to the village and, acting on his directions, police carried out a lathi charge to disperse the mob and restore order. Forces from nearby police stations were also pressed into service. Three cases have been registered in connection with the incident.
Gariaband SP Vedbrat Sirmaur confirmed that Arif Khan, Imran and Salim have been arrested and sent to jail. He said those who instigated violence from the other side are being identified through video footage and will face strict legal action.
The incident has also sparked political reactions, with BJP leader Kedarnath Gupta alleging attempts to disturb communal harmony, while PCC president Deepak Baij accused BJP members of involvement in the conspiracy behind the violence.
Police said the situation in Dutkaiya village remains calm, with continued patrolling and monitoring to ensure peace is maintained.