Police in Mahasamund on Thursday arrested an independent councillor and two of his associates after the body of a 31‑year‑old man who went missing from Mandir Hasoud was recovered buried in river sand along the Mahanadi, officials said.

Victim identified, arrested
According to police, the deceased has been identified as Bhuvaneshwar (31), a resident of Nakti who worked as an operator at Monet company. He was reported missing by family members after he failed to return home on the evening of May 22. Local police in Mandir Hasoud registered a missing person complaint before the investigation led to Mahasamund.

Water dispute during drinking
Initial reports indicate Bhuvaneshwar had been drinking near a liquor kiln in Mandir Hasoud when an argument over water broke out with councillor Nohr Das Ratre (also known as Golu Ratre) and others, police said. Sources familiar with the probe told reporters the verbal spat escalated into a physical confrontation between Bhuvaneshwar and the councillor.

Taken to riverbank, beaten
Police said Ratre, along with two friends — identified as Amit Singh Rajput and Hemchand Banjare — allegedly forced Bhuvaneshwar into a car and drove him to a sandbank on the Mahanadi in Mahasamund. There the three men allegedly assaulted him with fists and kicks. The beatings reportedly left Bhuvaneshwar grievously injured; he succumbed at the spot, officials added.

Body concealed in sand
After the assault, the suspects, with the help of a relative from Nandgaon, allegedly dug a pit on a small sand island and buried the body to conceal evidence, Mahasamund police said. Family members and neighbours grew alarmed after contact was lost; Bhuvaneshwar’s wife had last spoken to him around 10pm on the night he went missing, according to ASP (Rural) Abhishek Jha.

Break in the case
Investigators tracked the victim’s last known location to the Mandir Hasoud area and questioned people who had been drinking with him. “On the basis of leads and suspicious movements, we detained three persons for questioning,” ASP Jha told reporters. Under sustained questioning, the three suspects confessed to the killing, police said.

Recovery and FIR
Following the admissions, police teams from Mandir Hasoud reached Mahasamund and carried out excavation at the spot pointed out by the suspects. The body was exhumed from the sand and recovered for post‑mortem. Because the incident and recovery fell under Mahasamund jurisdiction, local police registered a case under relevant sections, including provisions of BNS code 103, 238 and 3(5), and launched a formal murder investigation.

Family reaction, local scene
Relatives and neighbours were seen weeping outside Bhuvaneshwar’s home after the body was recovered. Residents told reporters they had known the victim for years; some said the accused councillor was a known local figure, and the arrest has stirred unease in the area. Police said they are interrogating the three suspects to establish motive, sequence of events and whether any other persons were involved.

Investigative steps ahead
Investigators are awaiting the post‑mortem report to establish cause and time of death, and have seized the vehicle allegedly used in the incident for forensic checks, officials said. Further forensic analysis is being carried out on the burial site to gather additional evidence. The enquiry will also examine whether prior disputes existed between the men and whether alcohol or other aggravating factors played a role.

Public safety and probe
Local authorities have assured residents of a fast‑tracked probe. “We are following all leads, carrying out forensic tests, and will file charge sheets as evidence permits,” an officer involved in the investigation said. Meanwhile, the Mandir Hasoud police continue to assist the Mahasamund team as the case proceeds.

Ambikapur Horror: Woman’s Head Crushed, Plastic Bottle Found in Private Parts

Rape And Murder Suspected

A woman’s body with a crushed skull and a plastic bottle inserted in her private parts was found near the Mahamaya entrance on Ring Road here early Friday morning. Police have registered a murder case and suspect sexual assault before the killing, as per officials.

Body Found at Meat Shop

The blood-soaked body of a middle-aged woman was discovered inside a roadside meat shop around dawn. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Agrawal and Additional SP Amolak Singh reached the spot along with forensic and dog squad teams. Officials said the throat was slit with a sharp weapon, and the face was deliberately smashed to hide identity.

Plastic Bottle Recovered

During the initial examination, investigators found a plastic bottle lodged in the woman’s private parts. “Prima facie, this appears to be a murder case. But the presence of the bottle points to a possible sexual assault,” a police source told this English news portal India. The forensic team collected blood samples and other evidence from the crime scene.

CCTV Footage Being Analysed

Police are now scanning multiple CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity. Local councillor Satish Bari said footage from one camera showed the woman walking with a man late Thursday night. “Another camera near the crime spot is also being examined. The accused will be arrested soon,” Bari added.

No Identification Yet

Authorities have not yet identified the victim. No missing person complaint matching her description has been filed in Ambikapur or surrounding areas. The body has been sent to the district hospital for post-mortem. Police have also questioned local residents and shopkeepers for any leads.

Public Outrage Grows

The brutal nature of the crime has sparked anger among residents of the Ring Road locality. Women’s rights groups have demanded fast-track court proceedings once the accused is caught. “Such savagery cannot be tolerated. We want immediate arrest and strict punishment,” said a local activist.

What Next for Investigation

Additional SP Amolak Singh said teams have been formed to nab the suspect within days. “We are working on multiple angles, including whether the victim was a sex worker or a homeless woman. The CCTV analysis is key,” he stated. Police have also alerted checkpoints across Sarguja district to track any suspicious movement.

According to officials, a dog squad traced a trail from the crime scene for nearly 200 metres before losing the scent on the main road. The police have appealed to citizens to report any information about missing women or unusual activity in the area. A reward for information leading to the arrest is being considered.

BJP Councillor Shot Dead During Morning Walk in Datia

Former convict out on bail opened rapid fire in public square

In a shocking incident of daylight violence, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor was shot dead in Datia on Tuesday morning, sending ripples of panic through the community .

Daylight Attack at Crossroads

The incident occurred around 8:30 AM at the bustling Sevdha Chungi Square. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived at the location on a motorcycle and opened indiscriminate fire without any warning.

Councillor’s Morning Routine

Kallu Kushwaha, the representative from Ward No. 1, had arrived at the square for his routine morning walk. According to police sources, the attackers specifically targeted him and fled immediately after the councillor collapsed on the spot.

Criminal Background Emerges

Preliminary investigations have revealed a complex past. Senior officials confirmed that Kushwaha had a previous criminal record and was serving a life imprisonment sentence in a murder case .

Recent Bail Details

Official sources indicated that the councillor had walked out of jail only about four months ago after securing bail from the High Court. This detail has added a layer of suspicion regarding the motive behind the murder.

Police Investigation Underway

Authorities from the Kotwali police station rushed to the crime scene shortly after the incident. Officers have registered a case against unidentified attackers and launched a massive search operation.

Evidence Collection

Law enforcement officials are currently scanning CCTV footage from nearby establishments to identify the attackers and trace their escape route. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

Political Repercussions

The murder has raised serious questions about law and order in the region. With the councillor having a history of legal battles, investigators are probing the angle of mutual enmity or a potential old rivalry resurfacing.

What Next

Police have formed multiple teams to nab the fugitives. Security has been tightened in sensitive areas of the city to prevent any further escalation of tension following the high-profile killing. Further details are awaited as the forensic team analyzes the evidence from the scene.