In recent developments, the Chhattisgarh government has suspended IAS officer KL Chauhan and IPS officer Sadanand Kumar, who were removed from their positions as the collector and superintendent of police, respectively, following the Balodabazar violence. The suspension orders were issued after complaints surfaced that the district administration and police did not take appropriate action following the damage to the religious structure of the Satnami community. Last month, on May 15, unidentified individuals vandalized the ‘jaitkham’ or ‘victory pillar’, a revered symbol for the Satnami community near the holy Amar Gufa at Giroudpuri Dham in the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district.
This incident sparked protests from the community, leading to a demonstration at Dussehra Maidan Balodabazar on June 10, which escalated into violence. During the demonstration, a mob allegedly set fire to a government office while over 150 vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, were set ablaze in Balodabazar city. The Satnami community, founded by Baba Guru Ghasidas, a medieval social reformer, represents the largest Scheduled Castes group in Chhattisgarh.
In response to the arson incidents, the Chhattisgarh government transferred Chauhan and Kumar on Tuesday. Additionally, section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was imposed by the district administration in Balodabazar city, prohibiting the assembly of four or more individuals until June 16. Three arrests have been made in connection with the violent incident, and seven first information reports have been filed by the police so far. More than ten police teams have been formed to identify those involved in the vandalism.
As a further step, the government has appointed a one-member judicial commission headed by retired high court justice CB Bajpai to investigate the incident. The commission has been tasked with submitting its report within three months, shedding light on the events that transpired during the Balodabazar violence.
