A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and about 10 of his supporters after an alleged assault on Rajapur’s naib tehsildar, officials said on Monday. The incident on the evening of May 27 has triggered a shutdown of tehsil offices and a protest by junior administrative officers across the district.

What happened
According to police records and administrative sources, the naib tehsildar of Rajapur, Tushar Manik, was allegedly assaulted in Rajapur by Toppo and his supporters when he had gone there to sign a file connected to a land document. Initial reports indicate the confrontation began after a dispute over processing a branch-shodh (land record) application filed on May 14 by the MLA’s relative, and escalated when the naib tehsildar was summoned back to Rajapur from Sitapur.

FIR and counter-FIR
An FIR against Toppo and his associates—named in police papers as Yusuf, Nazim Raja, Pankaj Gupta and others—was lodged under multiple sections including obstruction of public servants and assault. A counter-FIR has also been registered after a complaint from the MLA’s camp, police said. Both cases are under investigation by the Sitapur police.

Officials’ response
Local administration sources said tehsildars and naib tehsildars met Surguja Collector Ajit Vasant on Monday morning. Following the meeting, junior administrative officers staged a sit-in at Kalakendra ground, pressing for the MLA’s arrest and immediate action. “Unless appropriate action is taken, the agitation will continue,” a senior local officer said on condition of anonymity.

Victim’s demand: narco test
The alleged victim, Tushar Manik, told reporters he wants a narco analysis for himself and the MLA to establish facts, and he urged authorities to order the test. “We want the truth to come out. Until a proper probe is completed, our strike will continue,” Manik said. Toppo, contacted by phone, said he is ready to cooperate with all investigations and submit to tests if required, but has not clearly indicated whether he will surrender to police.

Political reaction
Congress state president Deepak Baij criticised the state government and the BJP, calling the episode an example of “gundagardi” by party workers and accusing the administration of double standards. “The chief minister must say whether his MLA will be arrested,” Baij said on social media. Former deputy chief minister T.S. Singhdev described the incident as unfortunate and stressed that rule of law must prevail if an FIR exists.

Ground-level impact
Tehsil offices in Surguja remain technically open but routine work has come to a halt, officials at the district headquarters said. Citizens seeking land certificates and other services faced delays on Monday as scores of administrative staff took part in the protest. “Public work is suffering. People have to wait while the administration sorts this out,” a local resident in Rajapur said.

Timeline and movements
Police records show the altercation took place around 6pm on May 27. Toppo had already reportedly returned to Sitapur when the naib tehsildar was called back to Rajapur. The MLA later travelled towards Ambikapur but was stopped by supporters at Mangari and returned to Sitapur, according to local accounts. There were reports that the MLA spent the night at the rest house with supporters.

What happens next
Investigating officers said statements are being recorded and evidence collected; forensic or medical reports from the alleged assault are awaited. The district administration is expected to furnish a status update after preliminary inquiries. Sources said any order for narco analysis would require court permission or a directive from higher police authorities.

Related developments
The episode has become a political flashpoint in Surguja, with both ruling and opposition camps using social media to press their narratives. District police said they will act as per law once investigations yield conclusive evidence.