A chilling scene unfolded in Camore town, Katni district, around 11 a.m. on Tuesday (October 28), when two masked men on a motorcycle fired at BJP leader Nilesh Rajak, killing him on the spot. The assailants opened fire near the Bank of Baroda, where Rajak had stopped while travelling to the market on his motorcycle.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired at close range and fled the scene immediately. The bullet hit Rajak in the chest, causing him to collapse on the road. Locals rushed to his aid and informed the police, who transported him to a nearby hospital. Doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed near the bank, which later became key evidence in identifying the accused.
Police Identify Two Accused
Katni Superintendent of Police Abhinay Vishwakarma confirmed that two suspects, Prince alias Nelson Joseph (30) and Akram Khan (33) have been identified based on CCTV footage and local intelligence. Both are currently absconding.
“Involvement of two assailants has been established. They came on a bike and fired at the victim. We have formed dedicated teams to track them. They will be arrested soon,” SP Vishwakarma said.
Following the lapse in the immediate police response, Camore Station House Officer (SHO) Arvind Chaubey and Head Constable Prem Shankar Patel were line-attached pending inquiry.
After the murder, Rajak’s family members refused to allow the post-mortem, demanding immediate arrest of the accused. They, along with BJP and Hindu organisation workers, held a seven-hour protest outside the hospital, blocking the road and raising slogans for justice.
The standoff ended only after senior officials assured them of arrests and strict action against the culprits. As it grew late into the night, authorities announced that the post-mortem would be conducted on Wednesday morning under tight security.
Background
Police revealed that the accused and the victim had a prior confrontation nearly six weeks ago related to a complaint of harassment near a local DAV school.
According to reports, Rajak had intervened after a girl alleged misbehaviour by one of the accused. The altercation escalated into a fight, leading to cross-FIRs filed against both parties at Camore Police Station.
Witnesses allege that during one such visit to the station, Akram had openly threatened Rajak in front of officers. However, no preventive action was reportedly taken. This earlier dispute is now being investigated as a possible motive for the murder.
Who was Nilesh (Neelu) Rajak?
Nilesh Rajak, popularly known as Neelu, was President of BJP’s OBC Morcha (Backward Classes Wing) in Camore. He had been associated with the party for over 18 years and was known for his organisational work in the Vijayraghavgarh constituency.
Rajak was known locally for his assertive stance against rising incidents of what he described as “Love Jihad” and radicalisation targeting Hindu girls in the region. Over the past two years, Rajak had been instrumental in assisting families and local activists in exposing networks operating in the Jabalpur-Katni belt that allegedly lured young women under the guise of friendship and conversion.
His intervention in the DAV School case, where a girl complained of harassment by a Muslim youth, had led to tensions between communities and multiple FIRs. Despite being booked in a counter-case, Rajak continued to raise his voice against organised radical activity in the area.
He had also flagged the influence of certain individuals with past associations to banned organisations like SIMI, including an arms dealer, Najeem Khan, who was reportedly under his scrutiny. Party workers describe Rajak as a “vocal defender of Hindu youth” who regularly coordinated with Bajrang Dal and BJP cadres to monitor cases of harassment, religious conversion, and the spread of extremist ideology in educational institutions. His murder, they believe, was not a random act of violence but a silencing of a man who had become a persistent obstacle to radical networks in the region.
Apart from politics, he worked as a vendor with ACC cement company in Katni. Rajak was considered close to MLA Sanjay Pathak and was actively involved in community initiatives and local party campaigns.
Heightened security and flag march in Camore
As news of the murder spread, tension gripped Camore and Vijayraghavgarh areas, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces.
Katni Collector Ashish Tiwari confirmed that the situation was under control. “Adequate police deployment has been made in Camore and nearby areas to ensure peace. We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
In the evening, Jabalpur DIG Atul Singh led a flag march in Camore, accompanied by senior Katni police officials, to reassure residents and prevent escalation of unrest.
The killing sparked widespread outrage in political circles.
Madhya Pradesh BJP President Hemant Khandelwal spoke to the Katni administration and demanded immediate arrest of those involved.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav was briefed about the situation and assured that the culprits would face the harshest punishment.
Vijayraghavgarh MLA and former minister Sanjay Satyendra Pathak, a close associate of the deceased, said that Rajak had earlier faced threats. “About a month ago, Akram had publicly threatened to shoot him in broad daylight. We had informed the police, but no preventive action was taken,” Pathak told reporters.
Ongoing Investigation and action
Vijayraghavgarh SDOP Virendra Dharwe said the case is being treated as top priority.
“CCTV footage clearly shows two men arriving on a motorcycle and firing at the victim. Multiple teams have been deployed to trace their movements and arrest them. The culprits will not be spared,” he stated.
Police have also detained a few suspects for questioning and are examining the mobile locations of the accused. Security has been tightened across the town and at Rajak’s residence.
The incident has reignited debate over law and order in Katni, with opposition and local groups questioning police preparedness and response time.
As calm slowly returned to Camore, BJP leaders and community organisations appealed for peace. Rajak’s post-mortem was conducted early Wednesday, and his last rites were held amid heavy police security in his hometown.
District authorities have promised that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the case and submit its report at the earliest.
