Raipur’s assembly buzzed with tension on Thursday as the budget session entered its fourth day. Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel wasted no time, launching a scathing attack on the government right from the question hour. Accusing the ruling dispensation of misleading the public, Baghel zeroed in on the alarming rise in custodial deaths across Chhattisgarh’s jails.
Kicking off the heated exchange, Baghel demanded details on unnatural deaths in central and district jails from January 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma responded that 66 inmates had died during this period. Of these, judicial inquiries had concluded in 18 cases, while 48 were still under investigation.
Unsatisfied, Baghel pressed for names of the deceased and comprehensive case details. Sharma assured the house that all information would be provided. But Baghel wasn’t done. He spotlighted two high-profile cases: Pankaj Sahu from Kawardha and Jivan Thakur from Kanker, alleging Thakur was framed in a fake case.
‘Disclose the investigation report,’ Baghel thundered, questioning the circumstances of Thakur’s arrest. Sharma countered that the arrest was based on solid evidence. Thakur was admitted to Kanker jail on October 12, 2025, and hospitalized from October 13 to 17, where family members had met him.
The debate spilled over as Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and Minister Guru Khushwant Sahib fielded other queries. With opposition cries of government misinformation echoing, the session underscored deepening political rifts. Wednesday’s chaos had set the tone, as opposition members stalled proceedings, demanding transparency on public issues.
As the budget session progresses, expect more fireworks. Baghel’s offensive signals a combative stance, holding the government accountable for jail safety and justice delivery in Chhattisgarh.