Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel addressed the recent killing of a BJP worker in the Naxal-affected district of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki. In response to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) request for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, Baghel stated that the opposition could pursue an NIA investigation if they were dissatisfied with the state police's investigation. The incident involved the shooting of BJP worker Birju Taram by suspected Naxalites in his village of Sarkheda under the Aundhi police station area on the night of October 20. The BJP has labelled it a "targeted" killing.
When questioned about the BJP's claims, Baghel reminded them that he had previously suggested involving the NIA in investigations in cases where they felt BJP workers were being targeted and killed. Baghel stated, "If they feel the incident of Mohla-Manpur is a targeted killing, then they should get it investigated by the NIA. Who is stopping them? The way ED and IT are roaming here, NIA can also come. Who will stop them (NIA)? Investigation should be done based on facts. Whether the probe is done by the government, state police, or NIA, the truth must come out."
In the meantime, BJP State Unit Chief Arun Sao visited Taram's house in Sarkheda, alleging that the incident was not only a targeted killing but also a political murder with the intention of seizing power. Sao emphasised the importance of eliminating violence in a democracy and promised the BJP's commitment to securing justice for Taram's family.
He further criticised the Congress government, claiming that they were fearful of public backlash due to anticipated defeat in the upcoming Assembly polls and that this fear was contributing to the killing of BJP workers.
Sao added, "The Congress has a history of political murders for power. Political murders have been taking place continuously in Chhattisgarh. Earlier, BJP workers were killed in Bastar, which were also targeted and political murders."
State to undergo polling in two phases
The state's 90-member Assembly will undergo polling in two phases on November 7 and 17, with vote counting scheduled for December 3. BJP Lok Sabha MP from Raipur, Sunil Soni, has also reported that the BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India regarding the murders of Taram and others. The BJP has requested the deployment of Central forces in sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations in Naxal-affected regions and has called for the removal of the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police, the transfer of the Inspector General of Police for the concerned range, and the transfer of the Superintendent of Police for Mohla-Manpur district.
Also read | Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023: Complete constituency-wise list of Congress and BJP candidates
