Four Family Members Held For BJP Leader’s Murder In Sand Mining Case

Chhattisgarh Police have arrested four people in connection with a deadly clash between rival groups allegedly involved in sand mining operations in Korea district that left three people dead, including a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. The state government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder and arson case that has drawn widespread attention.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Suresha Choube, the four arrested accused belong to the same family. The arrested individuals have been identified as Manoj Tripathi, Akshat Tripathi, Vishal Tripathi and Satyaprakash Tripathi. Police said raids are continuing to apprehend five other suspects believed to be involved in the incident. Authorities are also gathering evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify the roles played by those involved.

The violence erupted on Tuesday night and is believed to have stemmed from a long-running rivalry between two groups competing for control over illegal sand mining activities and supply networks in the region. Investigators said a mob of around 30 people allegedly targeted a sport utility vehicle using a heavy dumper truck before setting the vehicle on fire with petrol. The attack resulted in multiple casualties and has raised concerns about organised criminal activity linked to illegal mining operations.

Also Read: Cleric Arrested in IAF Officer's Wife's Alleged Conversion and Abuse Case

Among those killed was Bharat Singh, popularly known as Lalla Singh, a 60-year-old BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat president. His brother, Nagendra Singh, also lost his life in the attack. The two men were reportedly travelling with associates in a Toyota Fortuner and a Skoda sedan when the violence occurred. Authorities are still examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether the victims were specifically targeted.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the dispute may be linked to competing claims over sand extraction rights in the area. Police sources said a nephew of the Singh brothers had secured a government contract for operations at the Navgai sand ghat, where mining activities are legally permitted. Under existing regulations, sand extraction is restricted to designated zones approved by the authorities.

Investigators allege that members of the rival Tripathi family had been conducting illegal mining activities outside the authorised area and bypassing regulatory procedures. The resulting conflict over control of the lucrative sand trade is believed to have fuelled tensions between the two groups. The SIT is expected to examine all aspects of the case, including allegations of illegal mining, organised criminal involvement and the circumstances that led to the fatal attack. Police officials have said further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Man Killed In Dehradun Irrigation Dispute, Police Arrest Three Accused