Tension grips Dutkaiyan village in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district following clashes between two communities on Sunday evening, resulting in injuries to several police officers. Heavy police presence has been maintained to control the situation, with the village under strict surveillance.
The clashes erupted when three individuals, Arif, Salim, and Imran, recently released on bail in a case related to the alleged vandalism of a local temple idol, reportedly attacked multiple villagers. These individuals, identified as repeat offenders, targeted several youths using weapons like rods and stones, causing severe injuries. Villagers accused them of ongoing intimidation against witnesses in the temple desecration case.
Enraged by the assaults, a group of villagers surrounded and set fire to the houses of Arif and his associates. Numerous homes and vehicles were reportedly set ablaze during the chaos. The situation escalated as villagers threw stones and bricks at police officers trying to restore order, resulting in injuries to at least six officers, some of whom needed hospitalization.
Gariaband Superintendent of Police Vedvrat Sirmour confirmed the re-arrest of the three accused individuals, with multiple cases filed against Arif and others. Additional police forces were deployed to prevent further escalation, with the village resembling a security camp on Monday, as officers were stationed at various points. While the situation is now stable, authorities continue to maintain vigilance to prevent any resurgence of violence, urging residents to cooperate and avoid spreading rumors for communal harmony.
