The incident occurred in Hanspur village under the jurisdiction of Kusmi police station, where officials had reportedly gone to investigate suspected illegal bauxite mining. According to police and preliminary accounts, the confrontation took place Sunday night when three villagers encountered the team near a local shrine.
The deceased, identified as Ram Naresh Ram (60), succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at a community health center in Kusmi. Two others — Ajit Uraon (60) and Akash Agariya (20) — remain hospitalized.
The injured men told authorities they were returning home after irrigating a wheat field when they were stopped by officials traveling in two vehicles. They alleged that members of the team assaulted them with sticks and kicks before forcing them into a vehicle. During transit, Ram Naresh Ram lost consciousness, after which all three were taken to the hospital, where doctors later declared him dead.
Officials involved in the inspection reportedly included SDM Karun Dahariya and Naib Tehsildar Paras Sharma, who had arrived with several local youths rather than security personnel. Authorities say those youths may also have participated in the assault. All four detainees are currently being held at Rajpur police station while the investigation proceeds.
Police said the visit followed reports that villagers had intercepted a truck allegedly carrying illegally mined bauxite and that a dispute involving accusations of blackmail had arisen. Additional Superintendent of Police Vishwadeepak Tripathi has reached Kusmi to supervise the inquiry.
Given rising tensions in the area, extra police personnel have been deployed at the Kusmi hospital and police station as a precaution. Forensic specialists from Ambikapur have also been called to assist.
No formal FIR had been registered at the time of reporting, though officials said evidence collection and witness statements were ongoing. Authorities indicated that legal action would follow once the investigation establishes responsibility.
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