Satnami Protest: Collector’s Office Set Ablaze

Raipur | Correspondent: In Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar Bhatapara district, members of the Satnami community set fire to the Collector and SP offices on Monday in response to the vandalism of a Jaitkham.

Additionally, several vehicles parked in the premises were damaged.

Reports indicate that the violent protesters also set the District Panchayat office on fire.

The Jaitkham, a white flag on a pole, is a sacred symbol for the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh.

The incident that triggered the unrest occurred near the religious site of Girodpuri Dham on May 15-16, where a Jaitkham and a place of worship in Manakoni Basti, about five kilometers from Girodpuri Dham, were vandalized.

Three people were arrested in connection with the vandalism, but the community claims that the real culprits have not been apprehended. Since then, the Satnami community has been demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

Fire Trucks Also Set Ablaze

On Sunday, State Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced on social media that a judicial inquiry would be conducted into the incident.

Additionally, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai assured that an investigation would be carried out to maintain social harmony.

However, on Monday, when protesters arrived at the Collector’s office demanding a CBI investigation, they were stopped by barricades, leading to clashes with the police. The situation quickly escalated, and the crowd set fire to several nearby offices and vehicles.

Firefighters were called to the scene, and seven fire trucks arrived to control the blaze, but the agitated crowd set two of the fire trucks on fire as well.