A local Congress leader was allegedly stabbed to death during a suspected robbery attempt in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, prompting protests by party workers and a large-scale police investigation. The incident took place in the Jevra Sirsa police outpost area when the victim was returning home late at night after visiting a relative in a hospital.

The deceased has been identified as Prakash Singh Kashyap (45), a resident of Tumakala village, who served as the treasurer of the Dhamdha Mandal Congress Committee. He was also an elected village panch, while his wife currently serves as the village sarpanch.

Attack During Late-Night Journey

According to police, Kashyap was travelling on a motorcycle with two companions after leaving Shankaracharya Hospital in Bhilai, where they had gone to meet a relative. The group was reportedly returning home at around 2 amwhen they were intercepted by four motorcycle-borne assailants between Karhidih and Chikhli Chowk.

Investigators suspect the attackers intended to rob the group. Police said the assailants allegedly attempted to snatch Kashyap's mobile phone and cash. When he resisted, he was repeatedly attacked with a sharp-edged weapon.

The accused allegedly fled the scene with his mobile phone and around ₹4,000 in cash.

Victim Succumbs During Treatment

One of Kashyap's companions managed to escape and informed the police about the attack. Officers rushed to the spot and shifted the injured Congress leader to the district hospital.

Despite medical treatment, Kashyap later succumbed to his injuries.

Police completed the inquest proceedings and sent the body for post-mortem examination before registering a criminal case.

Congress Workers Protest

The incident triggered strong reactions from Congress workers, who gathered outside the hospital mortuary to protest against the killing.

Party leaders raised slogans against the state government, alleging a deterioration in law and order. They also submitted a memorandum to the Superintendent of Police, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and stricter measures to curb violent crime.

Durg Rural Congress president Rakesh Thakur questioned the adequacy of police patrolling along the Dhamdha Road and alleged that regular night patrols could have helped prevent such incidents.

Police Investigating Multiple Angles

Police officials said preliminary investigation points towards a case of robbery that turned fatal after the victim resisted.

Teams have been deployed to identify and trace the four suspects. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from nearby locations and questioning local residents to establish the movement of the accused before and after the incident.

Authorities said additional evidence is being collected to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Village Mourns Leader's Death

The death of Prakash Singh Kashyap has cast a pall of grief over Tumakala village, where he was actively involved in local governance and political activities.

Residents and supporters have demanded swift action against those responsible, while police have assured that every effort is being made to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest.

Officials said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.