Chhattisgarh Assembly Row: 66 Custodial Deaths Spark Uproar, Opposition Cries ‘State Murder’
Raipur
The fourth day of the Budget Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed stormy scenes on Thursday as the Opposition, led by former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, cornered the state government over custodial deaths and drug trafficking.
66 Inmates Died in One Year
Responding during Question Hour, Home Minister Vijay Sharma informed the House that 66 inmates died in various state prisons between January 2025 and 31 January 2026.
Baghel demanded a name-wise list of the deceased, specifically raising the case of tribal leader Jivan Thakur.
The Home Minister stated that Thakur’s name was included in the list and that he passed away during treatment after falling ill. He clarified that another individual, Pankaj Sahu, did not fall within the specified period and added that all investigations are being conducted as per established norms.
Allegations of ‘State Murder’
Dissatisfied with the reply, Baghel termed Jivan Thakur’s death a “state murder”, alleging that a tribal leader was “killed bit by bit” in custody. He demanded a legislative committee probe instead of a magisterial inquiry.
Congress MLA Savitri Mandavi questioned the procedure of arrests and jail transfers. In response, Sharma said eight persons were arrested and their families were duly informed.
Following the exchange, the Opposition staged a walkout, raising slogans inside the House.
Row Over Alleged Drug Peddler
The debate intensified over drug-related crimes. Baghel questioned why the name of alleged drug peddler Navya Malik was missing from the list of 282 registered drug cases and sought details about her suspected foreign links.
Sharma informed the House that chargesheets have been filed in 206 out of 282 cases, leading to 662 arrests. He assured members that detailed information regarding the individual mentioned would be provided.
Suspension Over Paddy Procurement Issue
The ruckus continued during Zero Hour over paddy procurement. Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant accused the government of betraying farmers, while MLA Umesh Patel alleged that registered farmers were not paid, with payments worth crores pending.
Baghel also questioned why officials were entering private farm premises.
When the demand for discussion on an adjournment motion was rejected due to the ongoing Budget Session, Opposition MLAs entered the Well of the House. As per legislative tradition, the protesting members were suspended.
