Kanker (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 22 (HBTV): A tense situation erupted in Tevda village of the Amabeda area in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district following a dispute over burial customs, leading to clashes between members of the tribal and Christian communities. More than 20 police personnel, including Additional Superintendent of Police Antagarh Ashish Banchor, were injured in the incident, prompting authorities to impose a curfew to restore order.
The violence broke out over the last rites of Chamra Ram, the father of the village sarpanch, who passed away on December 16. According to officials, the deceased’s family, which had converted to Christianity, performed the funeral rites on their private land and buried the body. Members of the tribal community objected, alleging that traditional local customs were not followed, and demanded exhumation of the body.
Tensions escalated after the Executive Magistrate ordered the exhumation of the body in accordance with legal provisions following complaints. This led to stone-pelting, vandalism and arson, during which properties were damaged and a church was reportedly set on fire.
Police teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clash and worked to bring the situation under control. More than 20 police personnel sustained injuries while attempting to disperse the crowd and were provided immediate first aid before being referred to medical centres for further treatment.
Following the incident, a curfew was imposed in the area as a precautionary measure, and security has been tightened. Senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kanker, the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Kanker, along with police forces and the Executive Magistrate, are present in the village to monitor the situation and ensure peace.
Officials said necessary legal action will be taken in connection with the vandalism and violence, and efforts are underway to resolve the matter peacefully.
(ANI)