Communal Tensions Explode in Chhattisgarh Village, Leaving Trail of Destruction
A peaceful Sunday evening in Dutkaiyya village, located in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, descended into chaos as a mob unleashed violence, targeting homes belonging to the minority community. The incident, which resulted in six houses being set ablaze and multiple injuries, has once again highlighted the fragile communal harmony in the region.
Triggering Incidents and Escalating Violence
According to police reports, the unrest was sparked by a series of criminal activities in the early hours of Sunday. Four individuals were allegedly assaulted in separate locations, and two others were robbed of their mobile phones. The authorities identified three youths—Arif Qureshi (18) and Salim Khan (23) from Dutkaiyya, and Imran Siddiqui (18) from Raipur—as the accused in these incidents.
By 4 pm, the situation had escalated dramatically. A group of villagers vandalized and set fire to the home of one of the accused. As tensions mounted, the mob, initially comprising around 70 people, grew in size as more individuals armed with sticks, rods, and petrol joined the fray. Between 4 pm and 11.30 pm, the violence intensified, with six houses from the minority community being targeted and torched.
Police Rescue Operation Amidst Hostile Mob
A police team of 34 personnel, including Additional SP Dhirendra Patel, SDOP Nisha Sinha, and Rajim inspector Amrit Sahu, rushed to the scene. Despite being outnumbered, the officers focused on rescuing trapped residents. They managed to shield the attacked houses and evacuate approximately 20 people, including several children, to safety using a bus.
In a critical moment, the police received information about six or seven children stranded in a nearby madrasa. The team swiftly transported them in a police van. Although the madrasa itself was not attacked, a cooler outside was vandalized, and adjacent homes along with a bike were set on fire.
Injuries and Reinforcements
During the rescue operation, seven police personnel sustained injuries. An anonymous policeman described the harrowing experience: "They hit us with sticks and struck our hands, back and head. They broke our helmets and pelted stones at our vehicles as well as those of the fire brigade. We did not lathicharge them as we were outnumbered and wanted to ensure no life was lost."
Reinforcements arrived by 8 pm and again at 9 pm, bolstering the police presence to around 90 personnel. A police source noted, "The Rajim fair is going on, and a lot of security was deployed there. After receiving reinforcements, we pushed the mob back." However, the mob succeeded in vandalizing and burning six houses, a car, and two motorcycles. Two men injured in the attack were hospitalized.
Aftermath and Legal Actions
By 11.30 pm, the rioting subsided, but not before a woman threw a brick, causing a head injury to a police officer who was subsequently hospitalized. The police have booked her for attempt to murder. On Monday evening, over 150 policemen were deployed in the village to maintain order.
An FIR has been registered against several unnamed individuals for attempt to murder, rioting, and arson. No arrests have been made so far. The three accused in the initial assaults were apprehended by 6 pm on Sunday.
Historical Context of Communal Tensions
Dutkaiyya village, home to over 100 families with around 10 from the minority community, has a history of communal strife. In 2024, tensions flared when a religious symbol was allegedly desecrated, prompting the minority families to temporarily leave their homes. They returned following a peace meeting, but the recent violence indicates underlying issues remain unresolved.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing communal conflicts and the urgent need for sustained peace efforts in vulnerable areas.
