The incident occurred in Naugain village under the Sonhat police station area. According to the victim’s family, Bharat Singh had gone to hold talks aimed at resolving an ongoing dispute related to sand quarry operations. They allege that instead of a settlement, he and his companions were lured into a carefully planned ambush.
Police have arrested four accused — Akshat Tripathi, Vishal Tripathi, Satyaprakash Tripathi and Mannu Tripathi — while efforts continue to trace others allegedly involved in the attack. A case has been registered against nine named individuals under charges including murder and attempted murder.
The killings have heightened tensions in the region, prompting authorities to deploy additional police personnel to prevent any further escalation.
छत्तीसगढ़ के कोरिया जिले में भाजपा नेता की जिंदा जलाकर हत्या कर दी गई। आरोप है कि रेत कारोबार से जुड़े लोगों ने भाजपा नेता की हत्या की है।
मिली जानकारी के अनुसार भाजपा के पूर्व जनपद पंचायत उपाध्यक्ष अपने घर के सामने खड़ी फॉर्च्यूनर कार पर बैठे थे तभी कार पर आरोपियों ने पेट्रोल… pic.twitter.com/zmA9l7Gt4h
— Voice of Chhattisgarh (@CGVOICE00777) June 17, 2026
According to preliminary information, the sand quarry contract in the area had been awarded to Bharat Singh’s family. Residents claim a prolonged rivalry had developed over control of sand transportation and alleged illegal collections linked to mining activities in Sonhat and nearby areas. The dispute reportedly involved supporters of Bharat Singh and members of the family of BJP leader Manoj Tripathi.
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The Tripathi family is said to own several tipper trucks used for transporting sand to Baikunthpur. Differences over payments, transport rights and control of mining-related operations allegedly intensified over time, turning a business conflict into a bitter power struggle.
