Rajim violence: AAP seeks judicial probe, police say allegations under verification

RAIPUR: Aam Aadmi Party in Chhattisgarh have alleged that 13 Muslim families in Dutkaiya village of Rajim in Gariyaband district were left without any government support after their houses were set on fire during violence on Feb 1, and demanded immediate relief, compensation and a judicial probe under a retired high court judge.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s state office in Raipur along with members of the affected families, AAP state vice-president and human rights lawyer Priyanka Shukla said the party had constituted a fact-finding team that visited Dutkaiya and met the victims on February 24 and 25. Shukla alleged that the families’ homes were set on fire, belongings looted, and that women and girls faced threats and harassment during the attack.

AAP leaders repeatedly asserted that the families have been surviving on private support since the incident, stating that food, clothing and temporary shelter arrangements were being managed by local social workers.Victims who spoke at the press conference said some men suffered serious injuries during the violence and were taken to hospitals in Rajim and Raipur with the help of private individuals. AAP alleged that several victims required prolonged treatment and that the financial burden of medical care had been borne by families and supporters.

The party also claimed that seven police personnel were injured during the incident and said one constable remains admitted at a private hospital in Raipur.Party spokesperson Vijay Jha claimed the attackers threatened women and girls, and attempted sexual assault — allegations that would require verification through police investigation and medical and forensic records.The party urged the state to publicly share the status of arrests and to issue daily briefings on the progress of the case.Police said they have registered a case and launched an investigation into the February 1 violence in Dutkaiya village under Rajim police station limits in Gariyaband district, in which several houses were damaged by fire and multiple persons sustained injuries. Officials said teams have recorded statements of affected families and witnesses, collected preliminary evidence from the spot, and are examining video clips, photographs and other material that surfaced after the incident.Police said allegations raised, including claims of arson, assault and misconduct with women — are being looked into as part of the investigation. “At this stage, all allegations are being verified. Appropriate legal sections will be applied based on evidence, medical reports and statements,” an officer said.Police also said the village remains under watch, and any attempt to incite hatred or trigger fresh tension will be dealt with firmly. “The priority is to restore normalcy and ensure that no community feels unsafe,” the officer said.