Strike Paralyzes Revenue Work

Revenue work across Surguja district came to a complete halt on Friday as tehsildars went on a collective mass leave. The protest is in response to the alleged assault on a Naib Tehsildar by local BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo two days ago. The entire administrative machinery dealing with land records and compensation has been hit, with people queued up outside locked offices in Ambikapur and surrounding areas.

The Alleged Assault in Rajapur

The incident, which took place late Wednesday evening, has triggered a political firestorm. Officials say Naib Tehsildar Tushar Manik was called back to the Rajapur sub-tehsil office after an initial dispute involving the MLA’s cousin sister, Seema Dhanaki. According to a formal complaint filed by Manik, the situation escalated rapidly around 6 pm when the MLA arrived.

"MLA Toppo and his supporters began arguing over the behaviour with his sister. Before I could explain, they started hitting me. The MLA himself pulled me aside and assaulted me," Manik stated in his complaint. He showed a torn shirt as evidence. The SDM, who was present, had to intervene and escort the injured officer away in his vehicle.

Counter-FIR and Political Reactions

In a typical twist in such cases, a counter-FIR has been registered. While the police have booked Toppo and ten of his supporters under sections related to obstructing government work and assault, a separate case has been filed against Naib Tehsildar Manik based on a complaint by the MLA’s sister. She has alleged that the officer misbehaved with her and threw her land record file.

Meanwhile, supporters of the MLA have been sitting on a dharna outside the Sitapur police station, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the case against their leader. The situation remains tense, though police presence has been increased to prevent any further flare-ups.

Officials Demand Arrest

The Chhattisgarh Junior Administrative Services Association has condemned the attack sharply. They have rejected the counter-FIR as a pressure tactic and are demanding immediate arrest. “An elected representative cannot take the law into his own hands. This is not just an attack on an officer, but an attack on the system,” a senior association member said.

The striking officials have refused to call off their agitation until the MLA and his supporters are taken into custody. “If this happens to a government servant on duty, what will happen to a common citizen?” asked a protester at the Ambikapur collectorate.

Opposition Slams Government

The Congress has seized on the issue to target the Vishnu Deo Sai government. State Congress chief Deepak Baij termed it "BJP goondaism," accusing the ruling party of shielding its own. Former Deputy CM T.S. Singh Deo added that an elected representative cannot expect to run a "janata ka raj" (people's rule) through such "manmani" (arbitrariness).

As the standoff continues into a second day, the police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made yet, and the focus remains on verifying the sequence of events that led to the clash inside the sub-tehsil office.