A Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) posted in Chhattisgarh has been arrested in connection with a fatal road accident that claimed the life of a woman and left two others seriously injured in Mungeli district. Police said the accused official was returning from a birthday celebration when his car allegedly struck a stationary motorcycle, leading to the fatal crash.

The accused, Amresh Singh (58), was produced before a local court on Monday and has been remanded to judicial custody. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Jarhagaon Police Station near Barela village.

Woman Killed, Two Injured in Late-Night Crash

According to the police complaint, the victims were returning from a family wedding when the accident occurred on the night of July 31.

Police said Kiran Basor (36), Bhuneshwar Sahu (32) and Hemlata Sahu (39) were travelling on a motorcycle after attending a function in Hardi village. They reportedly stopped their vehicle on the roadside after noticing cattle on the road.

Investigators alleged that a Skoda car, travelling from Mungeli towards Bilaspur, collided with the motorcycle. Hemlata Sahu died at the scene, while the other two occupants sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Number Plate Led Investigators to Official Vehicle

Police said a broken number plate carrying the words "CMO (UAD) CG Government" was recovered from the accident site during the initial investigation.

The damaged Skoda car was later traced to the Takhatpur Municipal Council premises, where it was found parked in a damaged condition.

Investigators examined the vehicle, collected physical evidence and recorded statements from eyewitnesses before identifying Amresh Singh as the alleged driver.

Police Allege Rash and Intentional Act

Following the investigation, police claimed that the accused had been driving the vehicle negligently and alleged that the collision was not merely accidental.

Based on the evidence gathered so far, authorities booked Singh and arrested him. The vehicle involved in the incident has also been seized as part of the investigation.

Police said the exact sequence of events and other circumstances surrounding the collision will be established during further investigation.

Returning From Political Function

Investigators said Amresh Singh had attended the birthday celebration of Mungeli District Congress president Ghanshyam Verma before the accident.

According to police, the municipal officer was travelling back with another person in the Skoda car when the collision occurred.

Authorities have not indicated whether any other person travelling in the vehicle is under investigation.

Judicial Custody Ordered

After completing the initial investigation, police produced the accused before a court on August 3, which remanded him to judicial custody.

Officials said the investigation remains underway and additional evidence, including witness statements and forensic findings, will be examined before filing the final chargesheet.

Police have appealed to anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist the investigation.