In a shocking incident in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur district, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and his team have been accused of brutally assaulting tribal villagers during a late-night raid, leading to the death of a 62-year-old man. The event has sparked widespread outrage, protests, and swift police action, with the SDM arrested on murder charges.
The tragedy unfolded in Hanspur village under Kusmi block late Sunday night. SDM Karun Kumar Dahariya, along with Naib Tehsildar Paras Sharma and others, arrived around 2 AM in a Thar vehicle to investigate reports of illegal bauxite mining. Tension was already high due to trucks loaded with the mineral spotted in the area.
As three villagers—Ramnresh Ram (62), Ajit Umrao (60), and Akash Agariya (20)—returned home from irrigating their wheat fields, they were stopped by the team. Without any questioning, the group allegedly beat them mercilessly with sticks. All three suffered severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Ramnresh was declared dead on arrival.
Eyewitness Akash Agariya recounted the horror: ‘We were heading home after watering our crops when 8-9 men blocked our path. They attacked us with lathis and dandas without explanation. I saw a white Bolero marked with ‘Chhattisgarh Government’ and ‘SDM,’ and a black Thar.’
The incident ignited fury among the tribal community. On Monday, hundreds gathered at Kusmi’s Shiv Chowk, blocking roads, shouting anti-SDM slogans, and demanding bulldozers on the accused’s homes. Protesters called for Rs 1 crore compensation and a government job for the victim’s family.
Former Congress MLA Maheshwar condemned the violence, stating, ‘Innocent villagers were beaten on the SDM’s orders. We demand strict action and fair compensation, or the protests will intensify.’ Local resident Somanath Bhagat labeled the SDM a ‘goon officer’ with a history of harassing people.
SDM Dahariya, posted in Kusmi amid prior controversies, was arrested Monday evening along with Vicky Singh, Sudeep Yadav, and Manjeet Yadav. A murder case has been registered against all four. Police have launched a thorough probe amid heightened tensions in the region, raising serious questions about administrative overreach and tribal rights.