Outrage grips Balrampur, Chhattisgarh, after a midnight raid by SDM Karun Kumar Dahariya’s team turned deadly. What began as an investigation into illegal bauxite extraction in Kusmi’s Hanspur village ended with the brutal beating of three tribals, claiming the life of 62-year-old Ramnresh Ram and leaving two others critically injured.
Around 2 AM Sunday, the officials arrived in a Thar amid reports of mining trucks in the village. Spotting Ramnresh, Ajit Umrao, and young Akash returning from their fields, the team intercepted them. In a brazen display of force, they were thrashed without provocation, eyewitnesses claim.
Akash, who survived, described the assault: ‘We’d just finished irrigating wheat when they stopped us. No questions asked—just relentless beating with sticks. Their white Bolero screamed official authority.’ The victims were ferried to hospital, but Ramnresh couldn’t be saved.
News of the death spread like wildfire, fueling protests at Kusmi’s Shiv Chowk. Demonstrators jammed roads, raised ‘SDM Murdabad’ chants, and urged demolition of the accused’s properties. Demands included Rs 1 crore for the family and a job for a kin.
Political voices joined the fray. Ex-Congress MLA Maheshwar demanded ‘harsh punishment for the culprits’ and compensation, warning of escalated agitation. Locals painted Dahariya as a repeat offender, notorious for tormenting villagers since his posting.
By evening, police moved decisively: SDM Dahariya was handcuffed, booked for murder alongside Paras Sharma, Vicky Singh, Sudeep Yadav, and Manjeet Yadav. The case underscores deep mistrust between administration and tribal communities, especially over mining disputes. As investigations deepen, Balrampur simmers with unresolved anger, calling for accountability at the highest levels.