A land demarcation dispute in Korba turned tense after villagers allegedly stopped a revenue team, blocked their vehicle and held a Revenue Inspector (RI) and Patwari at the site for nearly two hours. The incident took place in Nonbirra village under Kartala police station limits and has triggered allegations of bribery, wrongful demarcation and misuse of authority from both sides.

Videos of the incident, showing arguments and pushing between villagers and officials, have gone viral on social media. During the confrontation, one member of the family allegedly threatened suicide by bringing a rope to the site. Following a complaint by the Patwari, police registered an FIR against four villagers. At the same time, the villagers accused the revenue officials of carrying out incorrect land measurement after allegedly accepting money from the opposing party involved in the land dispute.

Dispute During Demarcation

According to officials, the incident occurred on May 8 when Patwari Bharat Chauhan and Revenue Inspector Jaipal Singh reached Baniyapara in Nonbirra village for land demarcation work. The measurement was reportedly being conducted on the instructions of the Kartala Naib Tehsildar regarding land belonging to applicant Santaram. Officials stated that the land survey and demarcation process was completed after prior notice and the information was shared with the concerned applicant. However, shortly after the measurement process, objections were raised by the applicant’s family regarding the boundary markings.

Villagers Stop Officials

Officials alleged that Santaram, along with family members Liladhar Patel, Hariram and Hukumchand Patel, started protesting against the demarcation and accused the officials of conducting incorrect measurement. During the argument, the villagers allegedly parked a motorcycle behind the officials’ vehicle, preventing them from leaving the spot.

The revenue team claimed they were forced to remain at the location for nearly two hours as tensions escalated. According to the complaint, villagers insisted that the officials would not be allowed to leave until senior administrative officers, including the Collector, Naib Tehsildar or local police officials, arrived at the scene.

Allegations Of Bribery

The protesting family accused the revenue officials of conducting biased demarcation after allegedly accepting bribes from the opposing side involved in the land dispute. Villagers claimed the land that actually required measurement was ignored and another section was measured instead.

According to the family, illegal construction and encroachment were taking place on their land for a long time, but repeated complaints to revenue officials had not resulted in any action. The family alleged that the May 8 demarcation process was conducted in favour of the opposing party through collusion and corruption.

Tension At The Spot

The dispute reportedly intensified during the confrontation between villagers and officials. Videos circulating online showed heated arguments and physical pushing between some villagers and the Patwari during the incident.

Officials claimed abusive language was used against them and threats were issued during the standoff. During the protest, one family member allegedly brought a rope and threatened to commit suicide, increasing tension at the site and forcing local authorities to intervene carefully.

FIR Registered Against Four

Based on the complaint submitted by Patwari Bharat Chauhan, Kartala police registered a case against four villagers identified as Santaram, Liladhar Patel, Hariram and Hukumchand Patel. Police said the accused are residents of Baniyapara in Nonbirra village.

The FIR has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to obstructing government work, threatening officials and unlawful behaviour. Police officials stated that an investigation into the matter is currently underway.

Family Denies Allegations

Meanwhile, the villagers denied accusations of intentionally obstructing government officials and claimed they were only demanding fair demarcation of their land. Family members alleged that incorrect measurements were repeatedly being carried out despite their objections. According to them, the dispute over land boundaries has continued for years and authorities failed to provide a proper resolution despite multiple complaints. The family also accused officials of filing a false police case to suppress their protest against alleged corruption.

Complaint Submitted To Collector

On Monday, members of the family visited the district administration office during the public grievance hearing and submitted an application to the Collector demanding an impartial investigation. In their complaint, the villagers requested a fresh technical demarcation of the land and action against officials if any irregularities are found. They alleged that revenue officials ignored their concerns and acted under influence from the opposite party. The family further demanded cancellation of the FIR, claiming the case was one-sided and filed without proper inquiry.

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Accused in brutal murder of specially-abled teacher found dead in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti

Prime suspect Timan Lal Manhar allegedly committed suicide by hanging at his residence following a fatal dispute over a ₹7 lakh land deal in Jarve village.

SAKTI: In a dramatic turn of events in the Devanand Bhardwaj murder case, the prime suspect, Timan Lal Manhar, was found dead at his residence in Sakti district on Saturday. Preliminary police reports suggest that Manhar committed suicide by hanging, appearing to succumb to the pressure of an imminent arrest.

The development comes just days after the charred remains of Devanand Bhardwaj, a 42-year-old specially-abled government teacher, were discovered. Investigations revealed that the victim was brutally murdered and his body set ablaze along with his tricycle to destroy evidence.

Deadly dispute over land

The roots of the violence trace back to a failed real estate transaction. According to sources indicated by the local police, Bhardwaj had paid Manhar approximately ₹7 lakh to purchase a plot of land.

Despite receiving the full payment, Manhar reportedly refused to execute the land registry or refund the amount. This financial friction led to a heated confrontation between the two on the evening of March 19 near a local shop.

Brutal assault and arson

Witnesses stated that the argument escalated quickly. As Bhardwaj attempted to return home on his motorized tricycle, Manhar allegedly intercepted him in an isolated stretch.

The accused reportedly used an axe to inflict multiple fatal wounds on the teacher’s neck and head. In a gruesome attempt to conceal the crime, the assailant set both the victim and his vehicle on fire before fleeing the scene.

Police recovery and forensics

Upon receiving information from villagers, the Sakti police and a forensic team reached the site to recover the remains. Bloodstains and charred debris provided immediate leads pointing toward Manhar.

"We had launched a massive manhunt for the suspect. However, teams found him hanging at his house today," a senior police official stated. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to rule out any foul play in the suspect's death.

Impact on Jarve village

The twin tragedies have sent shockwaves through Jarve village. Bhardwaj, who was posted at a government school in Pihrid, was well-regarded in the community for overcoming his physical disabilities to serve as an educator.

Local residents have expressed grief over the loss of the teacher, while the sudden death of the accused has left the legal proceedings in a state of complexity regarding the recovery of the defrauded money.

Current status of investigation

While the primary perpetrator is deceased, the Sakti police are continuing their probe to identify if any accomplices assisted in the arson. Officials are also examining the financial records related to the land deal.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A detailed report is expected once the forensic analysis of the crime scene and the autopsy reports are finalized.

Future legal outlook

The death of the accused usually leads to the abatement of criminal proceedings against that individual. However, the victim's family may still pursue civil litigation to recover the ₹7 lakh involved in the disputed transaction from Manhar’s estate.