7 people killed in 72 hours: Murder spree in Raipur worsens BJP’s crime woes in Chhattisgarh

The spike in violent crimes has put the spotlight on the law and order situation in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh. The capital Raipur has witnessed seven murders in the last 72 hours alone, prompting the opposition Congress to question the state’s security apparatus.

A recent spate of crimes has sent Chhattisgarh into a frenzy and calls for Home Minister Vijay Sharma to resign are growing. The Congress criticized the Vishnu Deo Sai government for its “inability” to maintain law and order in the state after it came to power ten months ago.

Timeline of recent high-profile crimes in Chhattisgarh:

MURDER IN RAIPUR

In Raipur, city residents were rocked by a spate of killings that included seven murders in three days. The victims of the brutal attacks ranged from a 70-year-old man to young couples.

Santosh Singh Raipur SSP initiated damage control measures by mobilizing resources to restore a sense of security. Police have made six arrests in connection with a series of murders, most of which were carried out with sharp weapons.

Cases of theft at knifepoint have also increased, adding to public concern.

VIOLENT PROTEST AND ARSON AT BALOD BAZAAR

In June, Chhattisgarh witnessed one of the most intense protests when around 8,000–9,000 people gathered at Baloda Bazar and set an office on fire, burning around 100 vehicles.

The protest was sparked by the grievances of the Satnami community, which demanded a CBI probe into the desecration of their religious symbol Jaitkham. Tensions increased when their demands went unanswered.

The protest left more than 25 police officers injured, forcing authorities to impose Section 144 in the area.

DEATH IN CUSTOMIZATION IN KAVARDHA

On September 15, 27-year-old Prashant Sahu died in Kawardha police custody after he was allegedly tortured. Sahu was arrested in connection with the death of Kachru Sahu, a murder suspect in Madhya Pradesh. His family and Congress claim he was brutally attacked while in custody.

In response, the state suspended the Kawardhi Collector, the Superintendent of Police and 23 other officials.

DOUBLE MURDER IN SURajPUR

Less than a month after the Kawardha incident, Surajpur was rocked by the brutal murder of police head constable Talib Sheikh’s wife and daughter. Accused Kuldeep Sahu allegedly attacked the victims with a sword, leaving their bodies in a nearby field.

Following the double murder, angry residents set Sahu’s property on fire, increasing tension in the area. The state government responded by sacking the Surajpur police superintendent.

ANOTHER DEATH IN CUSTOMIZATION IN BALRAMPUR

On October 24, another in-custody death added to the state’s woes. Guruchand Mandal, who approached the Balrampur police to report his missing wife, was taken into custody as a suspect and later found dead in the police station toilet.

Authorities said he died by suicide; however, his family and local residents alleged foul play. Following the incident, tensions rose as protesters vandalized a police station, leading to a police crackdown.