Over 121 people arrested, officials suspended; commission of inquiry set up to investigate violence in Balodabazar

Balodabazar (Chhattisgarh): Following the violence in Balodabazar, Chhattisgarh, the authorities have reacted swiftly. They have registered eight cases and arrested at least 121 people allegedly involved in vandalism and arson. The government has also set up a commission of inquiry headed by retired judge CB Bajpai to investigate the Balodabazar violence incident and submit its report to the government within three months.

Police said at least 39 miscreants were arrested on Thursday, up from 82 arrests on June 11. Following the violence, Balodabazar tax collector KL Chauhan and SSP Sadanand Kumar were also suspended for negligence in discharge of their duties.

The chaos erupted after a religious icon was desecrated in the Baghin Cave of Manakoni Basti near Girodpuri Dham on May 15. Despite the initial arrest of three suspects, tensions within the community remained high, sparking calls for a government investigation.

Subsequently, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced a judicial inquiry, but the complaints persisted, leading to a mass protest on June 10, with protesters demanding a CBI probe. Despite efforts to maintain order with magistrates on duty and a heavy police presence, the protest escalated, culminating in the burning of over 200 vehicles and the destruction of the Collectorate and SP office.

Over 40 policemen, employees and administrative officials were also injured in the violence. In response, the Chhattisgarh government suspended Balodabazar tax collector KL Chauhan and SSP Sadanand Kumar on the grounds that they were negligent and indisciplined in their duties.

The transfer of the SP and the Collector was announced earlier, with Deepak Soni being appointed as the new Collector and Vijay Agarwal as the Superintendent of Police. The authorities have registered eight cases at the city police station against those involved in the riots, including vandalism, arson and destruction of public property under sections 147, 148, 149, 186, 353, 332, 307, 435, 120B, 427, 435 and sections 3 and 4 of the Public Property Destruction Act 1984.

Police also said the search for additional suspects is ongoing as the investigation into the violent incident continues.