The incident occurred when Congress workers attempted to show black flags to the Chief Minister’s convoy in Shahdol. According to party leaders, the protest was peaceful until security personnel intervened. Videos circulating on social media appear to show Shahdol Collector Dr. Kedar Singh stepping out of his vehicle and wielding a baton against protesters.
Among those injured was Sheikh Sajid, Youth Congress president of the Jaisinghpur Assembly segment. Block Congress President Ankit Singh Baghel alleged that the Collector personally led the lathi-charge. District Congress President Ajay Awasthi condemned the action, calling it an “attack on democratic rights” and warning of a larger agitation if accountability is not fixed.
The confrontation took place in Dhanpuri city during the Chief Minister’s official visit on Sunday afternoon. The administration had imposed heightened security arrangements in anticipation of protests.
Police said preventive measures were taken ahead of the event. Several Congress leaders were initially detained as a precaution and taken to the police station. Following the protest, Budhar police took 37 Congress workers into custody. Most were later released on bail, while three leaders, including Sheikh Sajid, remained in custody at the time of reporting.
Congress leaders said the black flag demonstration was intended to highlight grievances against the state government. They alleged that the use of force was disproportionate and aimed at silencing opposition voices during a high-profile visit.
Despite the protest, the Chief Minister’s programme went ahead as scheduled. Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated 142 development projects worth ₹767 crore, including the launch of a ₹20-crore water park in Dhanpuri, the start of postgraduate classes at the Shahdol Medical College, new college buildings, irrigation projects benefiting 122 villages, and road and civic infrastructure works. A statue of Mata Shabari was also unveiled in the Jaysinghnagar Janpad area.
Congress leaders said the party would escalate the matter at the state level and demand action against those responsible for the lathi-charge. The district administration has not yet issued a detailed statement on the allegations.
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