Two young men have died in separate knife attacks in Raipur's DD Nagar police station area within 24 hours, with both incidents reportedly following minor disputes. Police have registered cases in both incidents and arrested five people, including two juveniles, in one of the cases. The incidents have also triggered criticism from Congress leader Kanhaiya Agrawal, who questioned the city's law-and-order situation.

The first incident took place near the Ganesh Temple on Mahadev Ghat Road. According to police, 20-year-old Kailash Nishad, a resident of Nishadpara in Raipura, was returning home on foot with a female friend when he was allegedly stopped by Tikendra Dewangan, 20, from Changorabhatha. Police said Tikendra attacked Kailash with a knife.

Kailash was injured in the assault and, according to the initial account, managed to take the knife from Tikendra and used it to attack him. Tikendra sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he later died during treatment. Kailash was shifted to AIIMS Raipur for treatment. Police have registered a murder case and are investigating the circumstances that led to the confrontation.

Second attack ends in death

The second incident occurred at around 12:30 am on August 23 in Shriram Nagar, Changorabhatha. Twenty-year-old Bhola Vishwakarma reportedly got into an argument with some local youths.

The dispute escalated and the accused allegedly attacked Bhola with knives. He was taken to Mekahara Hospital in critical condition, but died during treatment.

Police acted swiftly in the case and arrested five accused, including two juveniles. Teams have also been deployed to locate any other suspects who may have fled after the incident.

Police investigate both cases

Cases have been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections relating to murder and rioting, according to the information provided.

Investigators are examining the circumstances behind both attacks and the individual roles of those involved. Police officials are expected to provide further details after the preliminary investigation.

Following the two incidents, police patrolling has also been intensified in the area. Authorities are assessing whether additional security measures are required at locations considered vulnerable to street violence.

Congress raises law-and-order concerns

The incidents have drawn a political response from Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Kanhaiya Agrawal. Expressing concern over the deaths, Agrawal criticised the state government's handling of law and order and claimed that criminals were no longer afraid of the police.

He called on Home Minister Vijay Sharma and the police administration to ensure that all accused in the two cases are arrested and face strict legal action.

Agrawal also alleged that illegal drug and betting activities were contributing to crime in the city and demanded immediate action against such activities.

Demand for stronger patrolling

The Congress leader called for intensified police patrolling not only in the DD Nagar area but across Raipur. He said stronger police presence was needed to prevent similar incidents and restore public confidence.

Agrawal also warned that if rising crime and alleged illegal drug and betting activities were not brought under control, the Congress would launch a protest with local residents.

The police investigation into both knife attacks is continuing, while authorities are working to establish the precise circumstances and sequence of events in each case.