Bilaspur Violence: History-Sheeter Sohail Khan Surrenders, Says He Was Framed; 9 Cops Injured in Stone-Pelting

Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: History-sheeter Sohail Khan, who had been wanted in connection with the violent clash and stone-pelting in Bilaspur's Khaparganj area, surrendered before police on Tuesday night. He was taken into custody and questioned by the police.Khan has denied involvement in the violence, claiming that he was not present at the spot when the incident took place. He alleged that he was being falsely implicated and demanded a fair and impartial investigation. He also claimed that he had earlier been implicated in a suicide-related case.The violence took place on August 28 in the City Kotwali police station area after a dispute between two groups escalated into a clash and stone-pelting. Police intervened after the situation worsened, and personnel were also targeted with stones. Tarbahar TI Ravi Tiwari was among the police personnel injured in the incident. Local reports put the number of injured police personnel at nine.Police have since intensified searches for those allegedly involved in the violence. CCTV footage is being examined to identify additional suspects, while teams have been conducting searches at possible hideouts.According to the latest reports, 12 accused have now been arrested in connection with the case. Police had earlier arrested 11 people from both sides before Khan surrendered. Three of his alleged associates were also taken into custody from the Lalkhadar area, according to local reports.Another key accused, identified in police-related reports as Thakur Ram Singh, is still reported to be absconding. Police are continuing efforts to locate him and other suspects.The dispute is reported to have followed a controversy involving a social-media comment and an earlier dispute between the groups. Police used tear gas and force to bring the situation under control after the stone-pelting intensified.Security has been strengthened in the affected area amid continuing tension. Police have appealed for calm while the investigation continues.Sohail Khan's actual role in the August 28 violence remains a matter for investigation. His claim that he was not present at the scene is an allegation made by him and has not been established by the investigation or a court.