Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, reels from violent clashes in Dutkanaya village, where Sunday’s dispute snowballed into arson and attacks on police. Beefed-up security dominates the landscape, with patrols keeping a hawk-eye on potential troublemakers.
The flashpoint originated from a protracted religious disagreement. A man, out of jail after nearly a year, reportedly beat villagers immediately on return, fanning flames of resentment. Swift collective action by locals to confront him led to uncontrolled fury.
Amid the chaos, four homes of the opposing faction were deliberately set ablaze, inflicting heavy damage without confirmed deaths. Police intervention faced fierce resistance via stone-throwing, injuring a few on both sides lightly and requiring force to pacify.
Raipur’s IG Amresh Mishra rushed to evaluate and direct efforts, declaring the area largely pacified with extra deployments for safety.
SP Vedvrata Sirmaur clarified: Bail-out Arif clashed with villagers and intruded into adjacent areas, earning three FIRs at Rajim station. The standoff at his properties erupted into arson. Three arrests logged; hunt for others intensifies. Peace pleas echo, with warnings against rumor-mongering.