Key Facts
A violent clash over a sand mining dispute in Chhattisgarh's Korea district has left one man dead and four others injured. The incident occurred on the night of June 16, 2026, in Katgodi village under Sonhat tehsil. The deceased has been identified as Bharat Singh, aged 60, who was burnt alive when his SUV caught fire after being attacked by a rival group.
Details of the Incident
According to police, the victims were traveling in two vehicles — an SUV and another car — when they were ambushed by members of the opposing faction. The attackers used a light tipper truck to repeatedly ram the SUV, damaging it and jamming its doors, trapping the occupants inside. The SUV subsequently caught fire. Eyewitnesses claimed that some occupants who tried to break the windows and escape were assaulted by the attackers.
Bharat Singh was charred to death in the blaze, while two others in the SUV suffered severe burn injuries. The two occupants of the other car were also seriously injured. All four injured were initially taken to the district hospital in Baikunthpur and later referred to a hospital in Ambikapur for advanced treatment.
Background of the Rivalry
Police investigations revealed that the violence was the result of a long-standing feud between the Singh and Tripathi families over sand mining operations. Both families originally hail from Nagoi village, adjacent to Katgodi. While the Singh family now resides in Baikunthpur, it continues to run sand mining and stone-crushing businesses in Katgodi.
Tensions escalated on Tuesday afternoon following a dispute between members of the two families. Later that night, Bharat Singh and his associates allegedly went to meet the rival group after a phone conversation, which led to the deadly confrontation.
Investigation and Arrests
Police have arrested four accused belonging to the Tripathi family so far, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects. Forensic experts are examining whether the SUV was deliberately set ablaze after fuel was poured on it or if the fire was triggered by its collision with an electricity pole during the attack. The police have assured that a thorough investigation is in progress.
FAQ
- What happened in the sand mining clash in Chhattisgarh? A 60-year-old man, Bharat Singh, was burnt alive and four others were injured after a group attacked them over a sand mining dispute in Katgodi village, Korea district.
- How many people were arrested in the case? Four accused belonging to the Tripathi family have been arrested, and efforts are on to trace the remaining suspects.
- What led to the violence? The violence stemmed from a long-standing rivalry between the Singh and Tripathi families over sand mining operations in the area.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com