Inside Chhattisgarh sand mining feud that left 3 dead, BJP leader burnt alive in Fortuner

RAIPUR: A bitter sand mining rivalry between two families turned deadly in Chhattisgarh's Korea district on Tuesday night, leaving three men dead and two others seriously injured in what police are treating as a planned ambush.The violence broke out near Katgodi village in Sonhat tehsil when a group of attackers intercepted two vehicles — a Fortuner SUV and a sedan — carrying members of a rival faction. According to police, the assailants used a tipper truck to repeatedly ram the SUV, jamming its doors and trapping the people inside before the vehicle caught fire. Those who managed to break free through the windows were allegedly beaten as they tried to escape. The sedan's occupants were also attacked.Among the dead was Bharat Singh, around 60, a local BJP functionary who was burnt alive inside the SUV. Nagendra Singh, 53, who suffered burns covering nearly 80 percent of his body, died while being moved to Raipur for treatment. The third victim, Virendra Pratap Singh, 32, died in an Ambikapur hospital from wounds inflicted by a sharp weapon. Two others remain in critical condition in Raipur.

Police say the clash was the culmination of a long-simmering dispute between the Singh and Tripathi families, both originally from nearby Nagoi village, over control of sand mining and stone-crushing businesses. Tensions boiled over after an altercation on Tuesday afternoon; investigators believe Bharat Singh and his associates were then called to meet the rival group that night, possibly under the guise of resolving the dispute, before the meeting turned violent.Four members of the Tripathi family have been arrested so far, with police teams searching for additional suspects believed to be involved. Forensic experts are examining whether the SUV was deliberately set ablaze with fuel, as some witnesses and community members allege, or whether the fire broke out after the vehicle collided with an electricity pole during the attack.The killings have triggered sharp reactions. Representatives of the Kshatriya community have demanded a CBI investigation, alleging the victims were lured to the spot and set upon by as many as 25 to 30 people.

chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai promised strict action against those responsible, saying no accused would be spared.The case has also taken a political turn, with Congress state chief Deepak Baij accusing the ruling BJP of allowing sand mafias to operate under political patronage, noting that both the deceased and the accused have alleged links to the party.Investigators say a full reconstruction of events is underway based on witness accounts and forensic findings.