AAP demands judicial probe into Rajim violence, alleges police and govt inaction
Raipur – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the violence at Dutkaiya village in Rajim, alleging that 13 Muslim families were targeted and their homes set ablaze on 1 February. Addressing a press conference at the party’s state headquarters in Raipur on 28 February, AAP leaders claimed the state government has failed to provide relief or compensation to the victims even after four weeks.
State Vice President and human rights advocate Priyanka Shukla, who led a fact-finding team to the village on 24 and 25 February, stated that families were survivors of a conspiracy to burn them alive. “The victims lost everything as their houses were looted and gutted. While Rajim Station House Officer Amrit Sahu saved lives by evacuating women and children, the district administration has remained indifferent,” Ms Shukla said.
Allegations of administrative neglect
The party alleged that Gariaband Collector Bhagwan Das Uike refused to provide immediate aid, reportedly claiming a lack of specific provisions for such incidents. AAP State Secretary Anusha Joseph stated that despite official claims of visits by the Tehsildar and SDM, the displaced families have received no government assistance for food, clothing, or shelter.
“Social activists like Noman Khan and Altamash have been providing basic necessities. It is distressing that the administration has left these citizens to fend for themselves,” Ms Joseph added.
Details of the violence
Victims present at the press conference shared harrowing accounts of the attack. They alleged that a mob, including members of the Bajrang Dal and individuals from neighbouring Parasada village, used petrol bombs, rods, and knives.
A young woman testified that attempts were made to outrage the modesty of several women, and her father was stabbed while trying to protect her. The families identified several locals, including Dharmu Yadav, Gautam Sahu, and Ashok Sahu, as being part of the mob.
The victims noted that while there had been some tension since a 2023 incident involving the desecration of a religious idol—for which the community had socially boycotted the accused—this level of coordinated violence was unprecedented.
Impact on security forces
The violence also resulted in injuries to seven police personnel, including the Station House Officer. One constable remains hospitalised in a private facility in Raipur. AAP spokesperson Vijay Jha pointed out that the government has remained silent even on the attacks directed at its own police force.
Demands for action
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has been urged by the party to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the affected families. The AAP has placed the following demands before the state government:
- Judicial Inquiry: Formation of a probe committee headed by a retired High Court Justice.
- Compensation: Immediate financial aid for each family and government-funded reconstruction of destroyed homes.
- Medical Expenses: The state must bear all medical costs for injured civilians and police personnel.
- Safety and Shelter: Provision of secure alternative housing until the families can safely return to their village.
- Accountability: Public briefing on the status of arrests and the recording of fresh, detailed statements from all victims.
“This is an attack on the constitutional spirit and the peace of Chhattisgarh,” Ms Shukla said, calling for the immediate arrest of all conspirators.
