Chhattisgarh (Monitoring Desk): A long-standing dispute over sand mining in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh escalated into a tragic incident, resulting in the burning alive of four people inside a Fortuner vehicle.
According to Indian media reports, among the deceased was a local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, identified as Bharat Singh, also known as Lalla Singh, along with three others.
The incident took place during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Family members said Bharat Singh had gone to negotiate a settlement over the dispute but was allegedly ambushed.
Police stated that during the attack, the vehicle was blocked from both the front and rear using trucks, after which it was set on fire. Four people died on the spot, while one injured person, Mayank Singh, was shifted to hospital in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that four suspects have been arrested, while a search is underway for others. A total of nine individuals have been named in the case.
Initial investigations suggest the incident stems from a conflict related to sand mining and transportation in the region, involving long-standing rivalry and competition for influence between two groups. Further investigations are ongoing.