According to the police, Baghel is accused of playing a significant role in instigating and mobilising supporters during the violent protest that led to large-scale arson and vandalism at the Balodabazar district collectorate. The incident resulted in the burning of government offices, destruction of official records and damage to dozens of vehicles.
Following his arrest, Baghel rejected the allegations and described the police action as a “political conspiracy” involving both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. “This is an attempt to crush voices that speak for Chhattisgarh and its people. I supported the movement as a social activist, but I did not endorse violence or arson,” he said while being taken to court.
Police sources said Baghel was brought to Balodabazar from Raipur jail on a production warrant and formally arrested after questioning. Earlier, on January 11, police had arrested Kranti Sena’s state president Ajay Yadav and party co-secretary Dinesh Verma as part of the ongoing investigation.
The violence has its roots in protests by members of the Satnami community over the alleged desecration of the ‘Jaitkham’, a revered religious symbol, near Baghini Cave in the Manakoni area, about five kilometres from Girodhpuri Dham. The incident, reported on the night of May 15, 2024, triggered sustained demonstrations, with protesters alleging that those arrested for the desecration were not the real culprits.
On June 9, 2024, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter. The following day, a protest organised with official permission at the Dussehra Ground near the collectorate turned violent. Protesters allegedly set fire to the collector and superintendent of police offices, torched 75 motorcycles, 20 cars and two fire tenders, and vandalised vehicles parked on the premises. Several police personnel and protesters were injured in clashes.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had subsequently directed authorities to take strict action against those involved in the violence. Officials said further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
