Tension escalated in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur after a dispute over an alleged anti-Hindu remark led to stone-pelting, vandalism and clashes between two groups late Friday night. Several vehicles, houses and shops were damaged during the violence, while police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
A police officer was among those injured in the stone-pelting. Tarbahar police station in-charge Ravi Tiwari suffered a head injury, while a constable and several others were also reported injured. Senior officials, including Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal and SSP Rajnesh Singh, reached the area wearing helmets as the situation remained tense.
The incident took place in the City Kotwali police station area, particularly around Khaparganj. Additional police personnel were called in from neighbouring Janjgir-Champa and Mungeli districts, along with personnel from the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF).
Dispute Over Social Media Comment
The trouble reportedly began after a purported anti-Hindu comment circulated on social media. Members of a Hindu organisation subsequently reached the Khaparganj area, where an altercation reportedly took place between two groups.
The confrontation soon escalated, with both sides allegedly engaging in stone-pelting. Witnesses claimed that a large number of people had gathered in the area and that the situation became increasingly difficult for the police to control.
According to eyewitness accounts cited in the report, information about the gathering and the developing dispute had been communicated to senior police officials. A patrolling team was initially sent to the spot.
Police Officials Targeted
As the situation deteriorated, police personnel attempted to separate the two sides and restore order. However, the crowd became increasingly aggressive.
CSP Gagan Kumar, who had reportedly reached the area in civilian clothes, was allegedly pushed and involved in a scuffle during the confrontation. Tarbahar TI Ravi Tiwari sustained a head injury after being hit during the stone-pelting.
A constable and several other people were also reported to have suffered injuries.
Lathi-Charge, Tear Gas Used
Police first attempted to calm the situation through dialogue near City Kotwali Chowk. When stone-pelting continued, officers resorted to a lathi-charge and used tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The report states that when the tear-gas firing equipment was not readily available, Sarkanda TI Pradeep Arya manually threw several shells. Around five to six tear-gas shells were reportedly used, but the crowd did not immediately disperse.
Crowd Enters Police Station
The situation became more tense when members of the crowd entered the City Kotwali police station premises and allegedly created a disturbance.
People inside the station demanded strict action against those accused of stone-pelting. Collector Sanjay Agrawal and SSP Rajnesh Singh remained inside the police station and attempted to pacify those gathered.
Additional police forces were subsequently mobilised from the district police line, along with station house officers, inspectors and personnel from neighbouring districts.
Senior Officials Lead March
As the crowd continued to gather, SSP Rajnesh Singh reportedly came out onto the road with police personnel to push back the gathering. Police also carried out a lathi-charge after the surrounding area was darkened by switching off the electricity supply.
Later, the Collector and SSP, wearing helmets, conducted a foot patrol in the affected area. Police teams continued patrolling the locality into the early hours to disperse crowds and prevent further escalation.
Heavy Police Deployment
Following the clashes, a significant police deployment was maintained around Masanganj, Khaparganj and City Kotwali Chowk. Barricades were placed around sensitive locations, while additional personnel continued patrolling the area.
Police appealed to residents to maintain peace as authorities worked to prevent further clashes.
Administration Promises Action
Collector Sanjay Agrawal and SSP Rajnesh Singh said the situation had developed following a personal dispute that later escalated into tension between two groups.
The officials said stone-pelting occurred from both sides and several people sustained injuries. More than 400 police personnel were deployed in the area, with additional forces brought in from neighbouring districts.
The administration said the situation was under control and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible after the investigation.
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