BJP leader, 2 others burnt alive after SUV torched in Chhattisgarh sand mining row

A sand mining dispute in Chhattisgarh's Koriya district turned violent when a Fortuner SUV was allegedly set on fire in Naugai village on Tuesday night.

In Short

• Police arrested four accused while search continues for others
• Forensic probe underway to determine exact cause of vehicle fire
• Incident sparks political reactions and concerns over illegal mining

A BJP leader was among three men killed in an attack linked to a bitter sand mining rivalry in Chhattisgarh's Koriya district, where assailants allegedly rammed an SUV, trapped its occupants inside and set the vehicle ablaze, police said. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday night, left several others critically injured and has sparked outrage over the growing violence surrounding illegal mining operations in the state.

The victims were identified as Bharat Singh, also known as Lalla Singh and associated with the BJP, Virendra Pratap Singh, and Nagendra Singh. According to officials, two other injured persons remain under treatment.

Preliminary investigation indicates that tensions had existed for a long time between two groups allegedly led by Bharat Singh and members of the Tripathi family over sand mining and related business interests.

Authorities said previous complaints and disputes had already been reported between both sides.

Police said the violence unfolded after members of one group travelled to meet the rival faction following a phone conversation. During the confrontation, the victims were travelling in two vehicles, including a Toyota Fortuner SUV and a sedan.

According to investigators, the Fortuner was allegedly intercepted, repeatedly hit by a light tipper truck and set on fire.

The collision reportedly damaged the vehicle and jammed its doors, preventing those inside from escaping.

Bharat Singh died at the scene after being trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Nagendra Singh suffered severe burn injuries and later died while being shifted for treatment to Raipur.

Virendra Pratap Singh, who sustained grievous injuries during the incident, succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ambikapur.

Police said occupants of the second vehicle were also attacked, leaving additional victims critically injured.

They were first taken to Baikunthpur district hospital and later referred for advanced treatment.

Some eyewitnesses alleged that fuel had been poured on the SUV before it was set ablaze.

However, police have not confirmed that claim and said forensic examination is underway to determine whether the fire was deliberately started or occurred due to the impact of the vehicle collision, including contact with an electricity pole.

Surguja Range Inspector General Deepak Jha visited the site and reviewed the investigation with local officials.

Additional Superintendent of Police Suresha Choubey said two groups—the Tripathi group and the Thakur group—were involved in the confrontation around 9:30 pm and that the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Police have registered a case under sections related to murder, attempted murder, arson and vandalism.

Officials said seven to nine accused persons were named in the FIR. Four accused—Akshat Tripathi, Vishal Tripathi, Satyaprakash Tripathi and Mannu Tripathi—have been arrested, while efforts continue to locate others.

The incident has triggered political reactions and renewed concerns over illegal mining activities and local rivalries in the region. Authorities have assured strict action and said the investigation will determine the sequence of events and accountability in the case.

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Inputs Dheerendra Vishvakarma, PTI