Chhattisgarh: Kabirdham collector, SP transferred after violence, custodial death

Gopal Verma has been appointed as the new collector of Kabirdham, replacing Janmejay Mahobe, while Rajesh Agrawal will take charge as SP, replacing Abhishek Pallava

The Chhattisgarh government has transferred the Kabirdham collector and the superintendent of police (SP) after an alleged custodial death and a mob violence in the district, an official said on Saturday.

The Chhattisgarh government has also transferred 23 personnel from Rengakhar police station, accused of beating residents of Loharidih village following the mob violence. (Representational image)

The changes come amid growing protests, with the Congress calling for a state-wide bandh on Saturday to highlight the “deteriorating” law and order situation.

Gopal Verma has been appointed as the new collector of Kabirdham, replacing Janmejay Mahobe, while Rajesh Agrawal will take charge as SP, replacing Abhishek Pallava.

The government has also transferred 23 personnel from Rengakhar police station, accused of beating residents of Loharidih village following the mob violence.

The unrest began on September 15, when a mob allegedly set fire to the house of Loharidih’s deputy sarpanch, Raghunath Sahu, resulting in his death. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for the death of a villager, Kachru Sahu, found hanging from a tree in Bijatola village in neighboring Madhya Pradesh.

Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel visited the village on September 19, demanding the resignation of deputy CM Sharma, who represents the Kawardha constituency that includes Rengakhar.