Durg district / Raipur
Tensions escalated in Durg district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday after Congress workers staged a protest over the alleged rape and attempted murder of a five-year-old girl. The demonstration, held near Mini Mata Chowk outside Utai Police Station, turned violent during an attempt to burn an effigy of the state Home Minister.
During the chaos, constable Girdhar Mandavi suffered burn injuries after coming into contact with flames while trying to stop the effigy burning. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the moment he caught fire. He was immediately taken to a hospital and later referred to Sector-9 Hospital, Bhilai, where he is undergoing treatment in the burn unit. Officials said he sustained around 10% burns and is currently stable. Another policeman also suffered minor injuries.
According to police, protesters had brought three effigies. While two were seized earlier, the third was hidden in a separate vehicle. Taking advantage of the situation, workers poured petrol on it and set it ablaze. The burning effigy later fell into a drain, and police used water and sand to douse the flames.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified Congress workers under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Officials said further action will be taken based on video evidence.
Congress leaders, including district rural president Rakesh Thakur, accused the police of negligence, claiming prior complaints had been filed against the accused in the child assault case but no timely action was taken. They also alleged the accused was involved in illegal liquor trade and had a criminal background.
Police said the victim was allegedly assaulted and dumped in a sack. She survived after local children spotted her and alerted residents, who rushed her to hospital.
Meanwhile, members of the Mahar community submitted a memorandum demanding strict action, including demolition of the accused’s house.
Police officials confirmed that the situation is now under control, and further investigation is ongoing.
