Bilaspur Violence: Over 50 Injured After Communal Clashes in Chhattisgarh
The violence began on Friday, August 28, after an objectionable social media post by Sohail Khan triggered anger among Hindu organisations.
According to information available about the incident, the trouble had initially started near Corona Chowk in Sadar Bazaar. Sohail Khan and his aides allegedly stopped four Hindu youths who were passing through the area.
A heated argument reportedly followed, during which Hindu youth Akshat Singh and one of his companions were assaulted. The dispute was linked to an earlier rivalry.
The confrontation later spread to Khaparganj, where members of the other group reportedly confronted Sohail Khan and his associates.
As tensions increased, both sides approached the City Kotwali police station to submit complaints.
Crowd gathers outside City Kotwali
Members of Hindu organisations also gathered at the police station and demanded action against those allegedly responsible for the assault and the social media post.
Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla was also present at the police station as the two sides sought police intervention.
The situation deteriorated when a large crowd gathered outside the police station. As people from both groups came face to face, heavy stone-pelting began.
According to reports, stones were thrown from both sides and burning firecrackers were also hurled at people.
The violence subsequently spread into the City Kotwali premises. A crowd entered the police station area, raised slogans and demanded action against those allegedly involved in the earlier assault and the subsequent violence.
Several vehicles were damaged during the clashes, while shops and houses in the surrounding area were also reportedly vandalised.
Police use lathi charge and tear gas
Police teams attempted to disperse the crowd but initially struggled to bring the situation under control.
A lathi charge was carried out and tear gas shells were used against the protesters. Reports said some of the shells failed to fire, after which Sarkanda police station in-charge Pradeep Arya reportedly threw the shells by hand. Around five to six shells were used in succession.
The crowd, however, did not immediately disperse.
CSP Gagan Kumar, who reached the spot in civilian clothes, was reportedly pushed and shoved by people during the confrontation.
Tarbahar TI Ravi Tiwari suffered a head injury during the stone-pelting and scuffle. Several other police personnel, including constables, were also injured.
Collector and SSP reach violence-hit area
As the violence intensified, Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal and SSP Rajneesh Singh reached the area wearing helmets.
The SSP personally supervised the police operation as additional forces were deployed to contain the situation.
According to eyewitness accounts, police had been alerted after the initial confrontation and a patrol team was sent to the area. However, the gathering grew rapidly and the situation escalated into large-scale stone-pelting in the presence of police personnel.
Additional forces were subsequently brought in from different parts of the district.
Personnel from Janjgir-Champa, Mungeli and the Chhattisgarh Armed Force were deployed along with police line personnel, inspectors, station in-charges and other officers.
Violence continues for several hours
The crowd remained around City Kotwali for several hours during the night.
According to the information available, people remained in and around the police station until around 4 am, while the main gathering continued until approximately 2:30 am.
Following the clashes, police intensified deployment in sensitive areas, including Masanganj and Khaparganj.
Barricades were placed around City Kotwali Chowk, while police teams continued patrolling the area until around 5 am and appealed to residents to maintain peace.
CCTV footage being examined
Police have begun examining videos and CCTV footage from the area to identify people allegedly involved in stone-pelting, vandalism and other acts of violence.
Some individuals have reportedly been detained for questioning.
Collector Sanjay Agarwal and SSP Rajneesh Singh said the incident stemmed from a dispute between two groups and that stones were thrown from both sides.
More than 400 police personnel have reportedly been deployed in the city, with reinforcements brought in from neighbouring districts.
The officials said the situation is currently under control and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for the violence.
The investigation is continuing, with police examining the original dispute, the social media remarks, the assault allegations and the subsequent clashes to determine individual responsibility for the violence.
