BJP leader burnt alive in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya after SUV trapped and set on fire

A BJP leader and two others were allegedly burnt alive after their SUV was trapped between trucks and set on fire in a shocking incident linked to a sand mining dispute in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district, police said.

The incident took place late Tuesday night in Naugain village under Sonhat police station limits, when a Toyota Fortuner carrying BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat President Bharat Singh, also known as Lalla Singh, was allegedly ambushed during a meeting over a long-standing dispute.

According to police and family members, the vehicle was surrounded by trucks, blocking all escape routes before being doused with petrol and set ablaze. Three people inside the SUV, including Bharat Singh, died in the attack.

The other deceased have been identified as Virendra Singh and Nagendra Singh, a teacher and cousin of the BJP leader. Another person, Mayank Singh, sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Bilaspur.

Police have arrested four accused so far and registered a case against nine named individuals under serious charges, including murder and attempted murder. A search operation is underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Preliminary investigations suggest the violence stemmed from a prolonged conflict over sand mining operations and control of transportation routes in the region. Officials said both sides had been involved in multiple disputes over quarry contracts and revenue sharing.

Authorities have intensified security in the area as tensions remain high, while senior officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events.

The incident has triggered strong political reactions, with local leaders demanding strict action and a thorough probe, including calls for a CBI investigation.