In a serious incident in the capital city of Chhattisgarh, the son of a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator has been formally charged following a hit-and-run accident that left a young DJ fighting for his life. The accused, identified as Balwant Singh alias Lucky (34), is the son of former Union Minister and sitting BJP MLA from Bharatpur-Sonhat, Renuka Singh.
The Early Morning Collision in Telibandha
The event unfolded in the Telibandha area of Raipur in the early hours of Monday, around 1 am. According to police officials, Balwant Singh was driving a vehicle belonging to a friend from Arang towards Raipur's Telibandha. Three of his friends were also present in the car at the time.
The victim, 34-year-old Tribhuvan Thakur, was returning home after finishing his work as a DJ. As he was taking a left turn, the car allegedly driven by Balwant Singh rammed into his motorcycle at a high speed, estimated to be between 80 to 100 kilometres per hour. The impact was so severe that Thakur was thrown off his bike and then dragged alongside the car for several metres.
Attempt to Flee and Subsequent FIR
Police reports state that after the collision, the car attempted to speed away from the scene. However, it met with another accident approximately 2 kilometres away, where it crashed into a road divider, bringing it to a halt.
An official from the Telibandha police station provided details on the victim's condition, stating, "The victim has suffered grievous injuries on his head, ribs, legs and back. He is in a critical condition." Based on the initial complaint, an First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Balwant Singh. The charges have been filed under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections: 125 (a) for endangering the personal safety of others and 281 for rash and negligent driving.
The police official further indicated that the investigation is ongoing and more serious charges could be added. "Once we receive a report from the doctor on the condition of the victim, then appropriate sections will be added to the FIR, and the accused will be arrested," the official said.
Victim's Family Speaks Out, MLA's Political Profile
The victim's brother, Rajnarayan Thakur, recounted the sequence of events. He explained that Tribhuvan had finished work at an event and was heading home with friends. His friends stopped at a pan shop, and Tribhuvan continued ahead alone, which is when the accident occurred. "His friends said that those who witnessed the incident told them that my brother was dragged by the car for a few metres," Rajnarayan stated.
He added that it was Tribhuvan's friends who arranged a car and rushed him to the hospital. The victim was first taken to the government-run DKS Super Speciality Hospital and later transferred to MMI Narayana Multi-Speciality Hospital for advanced care. "At present, my brother is in the ICU and is unconscious. He has a wife and three daughters — a one-year-old, a two-year-old and a six-month-old," the grieving brother shared. He also mentioned that the accused's family is currently covering the treatment costs.
The accused's mother, MLA Renuka Singh, is a significant political figure in the state. She served as the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs between 2019 and 2023 and currently represents the Bharatpur-Sonhat (ST) constituency in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district. The incident has drawn significant public attention, linking a serious criminal case to a political family.
The case continues to develop as police await the crucial medical report that will determine the future course of legal action, including the potential arrest of the accused.
