Chhattisgarh: Communal Clash in Gariaband Leaves Several Policemen Injured, Situation Stabilised

Raipur/Gariaband: Tension gripped Dutkaiyan village under the Fingeshwar police station in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district after violent clashes between two communities on Sunday evening left several police personnel injured. Authorities said the situation is now under control, with heavy police deployment and strict surveillance in place.

The violence reportedly broke out after three men — Arif, Salim, and Imran — who were recently released on bail in a year-old case related to the alleged vandalism of a temple idol, allegedly attacked several villagers. Police officials said the accused, described as repeat offenders, assaulted four to six youths from the village and nearby areas.

According to local accounts, the attackers used rods, stones, and other weapons, leaving the victims seriously injured. Villagers alleged that the trio had been repeatedly intimidating and harassing those who had testified against them in the temple desecration case.

Angered by the assault, a large number of villagers surrounded the houses of Arif and his associates and set them on fire. Several houses and vehicles were reportedly torched during the unrest.

As police attempted to intervene and bring the situation under control, they came under heavy stone-pelting. At least six police personnel sustained injuries, with some requiring hospitalisation.

Gariaband Superintendent of Police Vedvrat Sirmour confirmed that the three accused have been re-arrested and multiple cases registered against them. He said additional police forces were rushed to the village to prevent further escalation after villagers attacked police personnel.

On Monday, Dutkaiyan village appeared like a security zone, with police personnel deployed at key points across the area. Officials said the situation remains stable but are maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent any recurrence of violence.

Authorities have appealed to residents to cooperate with the administration and refrain from spreading rumours to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area.

With inputs from IANS