Congress protest ends after police withdraw arms act case in Surguja
T.S. Singh Deo ended his fast after police withdrew the Arms Act case
Ambikapur | Correspondent: Political tensions in Surguja ahead of the Shivnandanpur Nagar Panchayat elections eased on Wednesday after police withdrew an Arms Act case registered against Congress District Vice President Narendra Jain.
Following the administration’s written assurance, former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo ended his fast unto death by drinking coconut water.
The controversy began last Saturday after a dispute linked to the local body elections between BJP worker Mittal Pandey and Congress leader Narendra Jain.
Based on a complaint by BJP District President Murli Soni, Vishrampur police registered a case against Jain, accusing him of brandishing a dagger. However, police failed to recover the alleged weapon.
Calling the case politically motivated, Congress launched protests from Monday. On Tuesday, T.S. Singh Deo began an indefinite hunger strike, while PCC President Deepak Baij joined a relay fast in support.
As the protest intensified, Surajpur SDM Shivani Jaiswal and ASP Yogesh Dewangan reached the protest site. After discussions with senior officials, the administration assured Congress leaders in writing that the Arms Act sections against Narendra Jain would be removed and action would be taken against the Vishrampur SHO.
Meanwhile, based on a complaint by Narendra Jain’s wife Madhu Jain, police also registered a counter-case against two people from the rival side.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who joined the protest rally, criticised the administration and warned officials against acting in a biased manner.
While Congress termed the withdrawal of the case a victory for justice and party unity, BJP called the protest a political strategy aimed at gaining sympathy before the elections.
