Kawardha Violence: Collector, SP Removed

Raipur | Correspondent: The Chhattisgarh government removed Kabirdham district’s Collector, Janmejay Mahobe, and Superintendent of Police, Abhishek Pallav, late on Friday night in response to widespread political outrage over the custodial death of a man arrested in connection with a mob-led arson.

In addition, 23 police officers and personnel of various ranks were transferred to police lines as part of disciplinary measures. An IPS officer had already been suspended, and a magisterial inquiry was ordered into the death of Prashant Sahu, who died on Wednesday.

The Opposition Congress, alleging custodial torture caused Prashant’s death, has called for a bandh on Saturday.

Prashant’s death followed a series of escalating events. It began with the death of Kachru Sahu, who was found hanging, allegedly due to overwhelming debt. Rumors spread that Raghunath Sahu, the deputy sarpanch of Loharidih village, was responsible for Kachru’s death. Enraged by these rumors, a mob attacked and set fire to Raghunath’s house, leading to his death.

In the aftermath, police cracked down on the village, arresting 69 individuals.

Under the orders of Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallav, women and young children were also reportedly subjected to severe beatings. Villagers allege that Prashant Sahu, one of the arrested, was beaten to death while in police custody.

Prashant’s brother accused the police of extreme brutality, stating that his brother was assaulted in jail, with multiple injury marks on his body. He reported visible belt marks on Prashant’s neck and thighs.

Following these serious allegations surrounding Prashant’s suspicious death, ASP IPS Vikas Kumar, who had been leading the investigation into the Loharidih arson and murder case, was suspended late on Wednesday night.

Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij visited Prashant’s family, who detailed the alleged police brutality. The Congress party, led by Chhattisgarh president Deepak Baij, has been at the forefront of the protests, demanding justice for Prashant Sahu’s family and the immediate resignation of Home Minister Vijay Sharma.

In response to the alleged custodial torture, Congress called for a statewide bandh on Saturday, urging citizens to stand in solidarity with the victim’s family and protest against police atrocities.