Villagers complain of late-night boring operations despite collector’s groundwater conservation order.

Days after the district administration declared Rewa a water-scarce area and imposed a ban on new borewell drilling, residents of Laua Panchayat under Sagra police station have alleged that boring machines were operated late at night in clear violation of the prohibitory orders.

Villagers claim that a boring machine arrived in the area after nightfall and began excavation work without any official authorisation. The loud noise of the machinery drew nearby residents to the spot, where they found the drilling in progress despite the ban imposed by Collector Pratibha Pal.

On March 18, the Rewa collector declared the entire district a water-scarce area and imposed restrictions on private borewell drilling, with the order remaining in effect until July 15. The administration had cited fast-depleting groundwater levels across the district as the primary reason for the decision. The order made it clear that no new borewell excavation would be permitted during this period.

However, residents said the late-night operation suggested a blatant disregard for the administration’s directive.

According to local residents, a complaint was immediately lodged with Sagra police station after spotting the illegal drilling activity. But despite being informed about the violation, police personnel did not reach the spot, villagers alleged. The boring work continued unabated through the night.

“We informed the police as soon as we saw the machine operating. No one came. The work went on without any interruption,” a resident said, requesting anonymity.

The incident has sparked anger among local residents, who have questioned the effectiveness of the collector’s order. Villagers pointed out that ordinary citizens face swift action for any violation, but in this case, the authorities appeared indifferent.

“If the ban is meant to be followed by everyone, why is there no action against those who violated it in the dead of night?” another villager asked.

Residents have demanded an immediate inquiry into the matter and clarification on whose authorisation allowed the boring work to proceed. They have also insisted that if no permission was granted, strict action should be taken against those responsible.

This is not an isolated incident. Social activist Chatur Prasad Gautam had earlier alleged that illegal borewell mining was continuing unabated in the Sagra police station area, despite the collector’s prohibitory orders. The latest incident appears to corroborate these claims.

No official statement has been issued by the police or district administration regarding the matter so far.

With groundwater levels already under severe stress, officials had said the ban was necessary to prevent further depletion of the water table. The administration has not yet responded to the allegations of police inaction raised by the villagers.

Local residents have demanded a fair investigation into the incident and appropriate action against those found guilty of violating the prohibitory order.

Elderly Woman Killed in Brutal Sword Attack Over Suspected Affair in Bilaspur

Chhattisgarh Horror: 65-year-old brutally murdered with sword, seven family members injured in suspected affair row

Gruesome Murder in Bilaspur

In a shocking incident, a 65-year-old woman was brutally murdered in Pendrawa village under Ratanpur police station limits in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. The victim, identified as Mudab Begum, was attacked with a sword, her throat slashed and eyes gouged out. The attack occurred on Wednesday evening, leaving seven other family members seriously injured.

Family Feud Turns Deadly

The assault stemmed from long-standing suspicion of an illicit relationship. Suresh Shrivastava and his two minor sons allegedly barged into the house of Sheikh Salim, an auto driver, armed with swords and knives. When they did not find Salim at home, they turned on the family members present, attacking whoever came in front.

According to eyewitness accounts from the injured, the attackers showed no mercy. A young granddaughter of the victim later recounted the horror, saying the assailants struck at anyone who appeared before them. The elderly woman was the first target, suffering fatal blows that included her throat being cut and eyes being removed.

Prior Police Complaint Ignored

The violence erupted just a day after the victim's family had approached Ratanpur police with a complaint. On Tuesday, relatives of Sheikh Salim had gone to Suresh Shrivastava's family to discuss the matter and seek an amicable resolution. During the meeting, one of Suresh's sons allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to kill them, forcing the women to flee to the police station.

Sources indicated that police did not register their complaint immediately, citing the State Governor's programme in the area. Officers reportedly assured the complainants that they would visit the village later. This delay has now come under sharp criticism from the affected family, who claim the lapse allowed the situation to escalate into murder.

Background of the Dispute

Sheikh Salim, who drives an auto-rickshaw and ferries women from self-help groups, allegedly developed an illicit relationship with Suresh Shrivastava's wife. The affair reportedly led to Suresh's wife leaving him and obtaining a divorce three to four months ago. The dispute had been simmering for some time, with multiple verbal clashes and minor altercations reported between the two families earlier.

Accused Surrender Before Police

After carrying out the attack, Suresh Shrivastava and his two minor sons reportedly surrendered at the Ratanpur police station. The injured, including women and children, were rushed to the scene in vehicles and later shifted to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital (SIMS) in Bilaspur for treatment. Several victims, including a young man whose face was slashed, remain in critical condition.

The injured include Rehana Begum, Shahnaz Begum, Sheikh Suhana, Pari Parveen, Alisha Parveen, Sana Parveen, Sahista Parveen, and Sheikh Shabbir.

Senior Police Officers Reach Spot

Chhattisgarh police swung into action soon after the incident. Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh and Additional SP (Rural) reached the village along with a team. Heavy police deployment has been made to maintain law and order as tension gripped the area. The situation is currently under control, with additional forces stationed as a precautionary measure.

Impact on Village and Community

The brutal nature of the crime has sent shock waves through the village and surrounding areas. Residents expressed fear and anger over both the violence and the alleged police inaction that preceded it. The involvement of minor boys in the attack has also raised serious questions about juvenile involvement in serious crimes.

Health officials at SIMS hospital said the condition of some injured remains critical, with multiple deep cut injuries requiring urgent surgical intervention.

What Next in the Case

Police have initiated a detailed investigation and registered a case of murder and attempt to murder against Suresh Shrivastava and his sons. Further questioning of the accused is underway to establish the sequence of events. Authorities have assured strict action and appealed for peace in the village.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over rising family disputes turning violent and the need for prompt police response to prevent escalation. Local administration is monitoring the situation closely to avoid any communal tension in the sensitive area.