Violence in Surajpur: Police had to intervene to save the SDM from the mob.
Surajpur, Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh's Surajpur has been plunged into chaos after a brutal double murder – the victims were the wife and daughter of a police chief, Talib Sheikh. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region and led to violent protests, including arson on the suspect's property. The matter escalated and the city was shut down after a strike was declared.
Local media reports claimed that Kuldeep Sahu, a known criminal from the area, had entered Talib Sheikh's house in his absence and killed his wife and daughter with a sharp weapon. Their partially clothed bodies were later discovered in a field about three miles away.
The violence began during a Durga idol immersion ceremony on Monday evening when Kuldeep Sahu allegedly poured a pan of hot oil on a police officer during a dispute in the city's Chowpatty area, seriously burning the officer.
Police Chief Talib Sheikh tried to capture Kuldeep at the time, but he escaped and later targeted the police officer's family. When police tried to arrest Kuldeep, he opened fire at them and managed to escape, leaving his vehicle behind.
Angry residents, outraged by the killings and Sahu's escape, took to the streets. They called for a citywide bandh and torched vehicles parked outside Kuldeep Sahu's house and warehouse.
The sub-divisional magistrate of the area, who had arrived with the police team to take control of the situation, faced the wrath of the crowd. A video of the incident is being widely circulated. It shows the magistrate fleeing after being attacked by the crowd. The police had to intervene and save him.
Four police teams have been deployed to nab Kuldeep Sahu. The cyber crime branch is trying to trace his whereabouts.
The brutal killings and subsequent unrest have led to sharp political reactions.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed outrage and said, “What is happening in our Chhattisgarh? It seems that the rule of law no longer exists in this state, which was once called an island of peace.”
He added that the incident revealed a major loss of public confidence in law enforcement and governance.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw lashed out at the Congress, accusing them of contributing to lawlessness in the state.
“The Congress Party does not have to worry about the law and order situation. The state government is taking strict action and wherever negligence of officials is found, they will be taken to task,” he said.