Congress leader’s son murdered in Chhattisgarh: 3 contract killers arrested, mastermind on the run

In a major breakthrough, the Janjgir-Champa police have arrested three individuals in connection with the brutal murder of Ayush Kashyap, the 19-year-old son of a local Congress leader. The young student was gunned down inside his home in Karhi village on the intervening night of April 23 and 24. According to local authorities, the killing was the fallout of professional rivalry, financial disputes, and growing resentment over the family’s expanding sand and transport business.

The arrested accused have been identified as Hemant Kumar Baghel (23), Bhushan Baghel (23), and Amit Tandon (28), all residents of the same village. However, the prime mastermind behind the contract killing and a few other associates remain at large.

Midnight attack shaking Karhi village

The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Birra police station. Late in the evening, three masked men managed to sneak into the residence of Sammelal Kashyap, a prominent cement-sand trader and former Block Congress Vice President.

Before executing the crime, the attackers locked the victim’s parents in their bedroom from the outside to prevent any immediate resistance. They then barged into the room where Ayush, a second-year BA LLB student, was sleeping alongside his younger brother Ashutosh (16) and sister Prerna. The assailants shot Ayush twice in the head and chest, killing him on the spot. Ashutosh, a Class 10 student, sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder while attempting to save his brother.

Business rivalry behind the hit

Initial reports indicate that the murder was orchestrated out of jealousy over the family’s rapidly growing financial influence. Ayush had recently taken charge of his father's sand and gravel business, actively managing operations after acquiring new heavy machinery, including a JCB and a Hyva truck.

"The suspects confessed that they were envious of the young man's rising business clout and influence in the region," a senior police official familiar with the matter said. During interrogation, Bhushan Baghel revealed that his family had an ongoing financial dispute with the Kashyaps regarding an unpaid loan. This grudge, combined with intense corporate competition, prompted them to accept a hit contract. Disturbingly, sources revealed that Bhushan had previously taken a ₹7 lakh bounty in 2023 to assassinate Sammelal Kashyap, though that attempt had failed.

Inter-state manhunt nabs trio

Following the attack, the accused fled the state and took refuge in Gujarat, taking up manual labor jobs to blend in. The Chhattisgarh police launched a massive multi-state investigation dubbed 'Operation Hunt'. Joint teams from Korba, Janjgir, and Bilaspur districts tracked leads across seven states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Investigators scanned over 200 CCTV footprints and utilized cyber surveillance to zero in on the suspects. Recognizing local patterns, the police summoned the trio back to Chhattisgarh under a pretext for questioning, where they eventually cracked and confessed to the crime.

Weapons recovered, hunt continues

Local authorities confirmed the recovery of a pistol, two magazines, and a motorcycle used during the commission of the crime. Ground-level cues indicate that the suspects had closely monitored the house, even destroying a CCTV camera mounted near the property just before breaking in to escape detection.

While the primary executioners are behind bars, Janjgir-Champa Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Pandey, who recently visited the grieving family in Karhi village, stated that the investigation is far from over. Teams are currently deployed to track down the exact source of the funding and apprehend the mastermind who ordered the hit on the Congress leader’s son.

SC grants anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera, cites political rivalry in Assam defamation case 

Congress leader faces charges over remarks against CM’s wife; top court says liberty must be protected in politically charged complaints

Supreme Court intervenes

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera in a criminal defamation and forgery case registered by Assam Police. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar set aside the Gauhati High Court’s earlier order that had refused pre-arrest protection to the leader.

The court observed that the circumstances surrounding the case indicated an element of political rivalry, adding that personal liberty cannot be compromised in disputes that appear to stem from electoral or ideological conflict.

Case filed after press conference remarks

The legal trouble for Khera began after he alleged at a recent press conference that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan, held multiple foreign passports and had undisclosed assets abroad. The complaint, filed by Bhuyan, triggered an FIR that included charges of defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

Assam Police officials travelled to Khera’s Delhi residence on 7 April, but he was not present at the time. Khera then sought legal recourse through the Telangana High Court, which granted him transit anticipatory bail for one week on 10 April.

Timeline of legal moves

That relief was short-lived. On 15 April, the Supreme Court stayed the Telangana High Court’s order following an appeal from the Assam government. Two days later, the top court refused to extend the transit bail period and directed Khera to approach the Gauhati High Court instead.

Khera complied, arguing in his petition before the Gauhati bench that his statements were made in a political and public context during a press conference. He claimed the FIR was nothing more than an act of political vendetta, especially since the complainant was the Chief Minister’s wife.

High Court had sought custodial interrogation

On 24 April, the Gauhati High Court rejected his plea. In its order, the bench said custodial interrogation was necessary to identify the sources who provided Khera with the documents he had cited. The court also observed that while political criticism of a sitting chief minister might be excusable as political rhetoric, dragging an “innocent woman” into the matter changed the nature of the case.

It clarified that this was not a simple defamation case and noted that Khera had not yet substantiated his claims with evidence.

What the Supreme Court said

After the high court’s refusal, Khera moved the Supreme Court again. The bench on Wednesday said liberty must be protected, especially when the alleged offence is rooted in political rivalry. While the court did not comment on the truth of Khera’s original claims, it made it clear that anticipatory bail should not be denied lightly when personal liberty is at stake.

Congress Leader’s Son Shot Dead In Janjgir Home Invasion

Three Masked Men Attack Family

Three masked assailants stormed the residence of a former block Congress vice-president in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district late Thursday night. The attackers shot dead the leader’s 19-year-old son and critically injured his younger sibling.

The incident occurred around 12:30 am in Karhi village under the Birra police station limits. Police said the assailants entered the house and opened fire indiscriminately. The victim, Ayush Kashyap, suffered bullet wounds to the head and chest and died on the spot. His 16-year-old brother Ashutosh remains critical.

Parents Locked In Separate Room

According to preliminary investigation, the three masked men first locked the parents inside a room. They then targeted the children sleeping in another room. Ayush, a second-year BA LLB student, was hit twice. Ashutosh, a Class 10 student, sustained a bullet injury on his shoulder.

Cash And iPhone Stolen

Police sources indicated that the attackers fled with around Rs 60 in cash and an iPhone. The family has three children. Their daughter Prerna Kashyap, a BPM officer posted in Jagdalpur, was also home on leave during the attack. She witnessed the shooting.

Sister Recounts Earlier Visit

Prerna told police that three young men had come to their house a week ago asking about Ayush. She added that all three attackers wore masks during Thursday night’s assault. The family said the assailants also took three mobile phones before escaping.

Father Alleges Sand Trade Rivalry

The victim’s father, Sammlal Kashyap, alleged that the murder stemmed from a sand mining business dispute. “Ayush had recently purchased a hyva truck and a JCB. He had become active in the trade. That is the only reason someone would want him dead,” Kashyap told police.

Local Congress leaders, including MLA Vyas Kashyap and Jaijaipur MLA Baleshwar Sahu, visited the crime scene late Thursday night.

Police Launch Massive Manhunt

Acting Superintendent of Police Nivedita Paul and Additional SP Umesh Kashyap reached the spot along with cyber and forensic teams. Officials confirmed that the attackers used motorcycles. Police have set up barricades across the town and are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas.

“We are also analysing call detail records to identify the suspects,” an officer said. The body has been sent for post-mortem. The younger brother continues to receive treatment at the district hospital.

What Next

Authorities have formed multiple teams to track down the three masked assailants. Investigators are examining whether a recent land dispute or sand mining rivalry motivated the attack. Police expect to make arrests within 48 hours based on technical surveillance leads.

Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre Claims Loyalty to Congress Amid Defection Row

Court Seeks BJP Switch Proof

Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre asserted in the Madhya Pradesh High Court that she remains loyal to Congress, even as Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar pressed for evidence of her alleged BJP defection. The court recorded her statement and directed Singhar to submit party whip copies by April 9. Next hearing fixes for April 20.

Singhar Files Termination Petition

Singhar, a senior Congress leader, petitioned the High Court in November 2024 to disqualify Sapre under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution. He claims her membership ended automatically upon switching parties. The move follows her no-show on a Congress whip during key votes.

Sapre Attends BJP Event

Sapre won the Bina seat in Sagar district on a Congress ticket in 2023. Tensions peaked on May 5, 2024, when she joined a BJP rally with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav amid Lok Sabha polls. Social media posts of her with BJP leaders soon went viral, fuelling defection charges.

High Court Division Bench Hears Case

A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard arguments on Tuesday. Sapre's counsel Sanjay Agarwal insisted no party switch occurred. Advocate General Prashant Singh noted the matter pends before the Assembly Speaker, with her statements already recorded.

Whip Copies as Key Evidence

Singhar's advocate Vibhor Khandelwal, appearing via video, promised party whip evidence by April 9. Viral images show Sapre alongside Yadav, but the court cautioned against relying solely on social media. "Present solid proof before the Speaker," the bench directed.

Background of Defection Dispute

Singhar first approached Speaker Raman Singh on July 5, 2024, citing anti-defection law violations. With no decision after months, he escalated to court. Officials indicate Sapre skipped Congress directives, raising questions over her allegiance in the opposition camp.

Assembly Speaker Hearing Looms

A parallel hearing awaits before the Speaker on April 20, aligning with the High Court's schedule. Sources say Singhar's evidence could sway proceedings. Sapre maintains her Congress ties, denying any formal BJP entry.

Political Fallout in Madhya Pradesh

The row exposes rifts in state politics, testing anti-defection norms post-2023 polls. Congress accuses BJP of poaching, while ruling side calls it internal discord. Public eyes the outcome amid ongoing National and International News on similar cases.

Future Course of Action

Singhar must file whip documents soon. Courts stress authentic evidence over online buzz. This Bina MLA defection saga could redefine loyalty tests in Madhya Pradesh assembly, with implications for India News Update on political stability.

Sonia Gandhi Admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi

Sonia Gandhi hospital admission at the capital’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has once again drawn attention, with sources confirming the senior Congress leader is undergoing treatment and her condition is being closely monitored.

Hospital Admission Confirmed  

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital late Tuesday night. Hospital sources said she reached the facility after experiencing discomfort and is now under the care of a team of doctors.

Condition Being Monitored  

According to sources, her vital parameters are stable and being watched round the clock. No official bulletin has been released yet, but insiders indicated routine tests and supportive care are underway.

Second Admission This Year  

This marks the second time Sonia Gandhi has been hospitalised at the same facility in 2026. The latest development comes barely two months after her previous stay in January.

Respiratory Issues Recalled  

In January, she was admitted following respiratory discomfort. Hospital chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop had then stated that her bronchial asthma had been mildly exacerbated by Delhi’s cold weather and high pollution levels. She was kept under observation and given antibiotics along with other supportive medication.

Official Statement from January  

Dr Swaroop had described her condition at the time as “absolutely stable”. “She was experiencing respiratory discomfort, and upon medical examination, it was found that her bronchial asthma had been mildly exacerbated due to the combined effects of cold weather and pollution. As a precautionary measure, she was admitted for further observation and treatment,” he said in an official statement.

Treatment Details Awaited  

While specific reasons for the current admission have not been disclosed, sources indicated that doctors are following a similar cautious approach. The 79-year-old leader continues to receive round-the-clock attention at one of Delhi’s leading private hospitals.

Outlook Remains Cautious  

Congress workers and supporters across the country are keeping a close watch on updates. Party leaders have so far refrained from detailed comments, awaiting an official word from the hospital. In the latest news today from the national capital, this Sonia Gandhi hospital admission has emerged as a key India news update, highlighting the health challenges faced by senior public figures amid seasonal weather shifts and pollution concerns.

The development has triggered quiet concern within political circles, though no major disruption to party activities has been reported so far. Medical experts often note that patients with chronic respiratory conditions require prompt intervention in Delhi’s winter-to-spring transition period, when pollution spikes remain common.

As per reports, Sonia Gandhi is responding to treatment and her condition is being reviewed regularly. The hospital is expected to share more details once a full assessment is complete. For now, the focus remains on ensuring her full recovery while she receives the best possible care.