Conduct Health Check-ups and Provide Treatment for All Those Imprisoned in Loharidih Case – Bhupesh Baghel

Release the Innocent, Provide Rs 50 Lakh Compensation to the Victims, and Conduct a Judicial Inquiry into the Entire Matter

Raipur: Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, while addressing journalists, said that the incidents in Loharidih village — three murders due to personal enmity and the killing of Prashant Sahu by police beatings — have shaken the entire state and shamed humanity. The inmates in jail have been subjected to inhumane treatment; they can neither sit nor walk. Both the men and women imprisoned in Kawardha jail are suffering. The state Congress had called for a bandh in response to these issues, which was highly successful, delivering the intended message to both the public and the government. In response, the SP, Collector, DSP were removed, and the entire staff at the Rengakhar police station was replaced. Initially, the government tried to frame it as a case of suicide but has now admitted its failure.

Baghel further stated that they visited the people of Loharidih in Kawardha jail, and despite applying for permission, they were stopped from meeting those in Durg jail. This denial occurred even though Congress MLAs and leaders, including PCC President Deepak Baij and former PCC President Dhanendra Sahu, were present. The administration prevented them from meeting, which also raises a legislative issue, as MLAs have duties to perform in their constituencies, and blocking them from doing so is a serious matter.

Talking about Prashant Sahu’s family, Baghel mentioned that his mother and brothers bore severe injuries, and similar injuries were visible on the bodies of the people of Loharidih who were arrested. Many of them have external injuries, while some are vomiting blood, unable to walk, stand, or eat. The first demand is that those imprisoned from Loharidih must be admitted to a hospital, and a thorough body check-up should be conducted as many have visible external injuries, while others may have internal injuries from severe beatings with sticks, belts, and fists. Their proper medical treatment is a priority.

Baghel’s second demand was for a judicial inquiry into the matter. He questioned how the SDM could fairly investigate against senior officers like the Collector or SP. Only a judicial investigation will ensure justice.

He also raised concerns for the families of the victims. Prashant Sahu’s wife had already passed away, leaving behind an 8-year-old son with no one to care for him. Similarly, Kachru Sahu, also known as Shivprasad Sahu, has five minor children — two girls in 9th and 6th grades, a baby in arms, and their mother is now imprisoned. The children have no one to care for them. Baghel emphasized that when the BJP was in opposition, they used to demand  Rs 50 lakh in compensation for such cases, and now these families should also be compensated with Rs 50 lakh each.

He stated that the police have admitted to wrongful arrests, and action must be taken against the culprits. Kachru was murdered, and his wife was also jailed. A man who works in Supela, Bhilai, and arrived in Loharidih at 3 PM was arrested as well. Innocent people have been jailed, and they should be released immediately.