Satnam Panth protests turns violent in Chhattisgarh, arson in district collector’s office

A portion of district SP’s office, also on the premises, was torched, a government official said. The rioting mob was allegedly demanding a CBI probe into last month’s desecration of the Jaitkham, a white pillar in Giraudpuri village. The pillar, considered sacred by the sect, was vandalised in the small hours of May 16.

Police have arrested three people in connection with that incident.

Significantly, Satnam Panth is a religious movement founded by Chhattisgarh’s 19th-century religious head, Ghasidas. The sect mostly comprises Dalits.

According to sources, the mob that was involved in Monday’s arson was part of a protest rally that was headed towards the collector’s office Monday afternoon. Although police had put up barricades anticipating trouble, the mob allegedly tore them down and manhandled the staff at the SP office before entering the collector’s office.

Some policemen have been wounded in the scuffle, sources said.

Apart from a portion of the SP’s office and some vehicles, a fire engine despatched to the site of the incident was allegedly also set aflame.

The incident comes a day after Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma promised a judicial inquiry into last month’s vandalism.

“An attempt was made to harm the revered Jaitkham in the holy cave (of Amar Gufa) on the intervening night of May 15 and 16,” he told the media Sunday. “According to the instructions of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, a judicial inquiry will be conducted into this incident, which has disturbed social harmony.”

Meanwhile, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said Baloda Bazar Inspector General and Commissioner have been instructed to reach the spot immediately.

“Chief Secretary and DGP were summoned, preliminary information about the incident taken and report called for,” a statement from Deo’s office said. “It may be noted that Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma had already ordered a judicial inquiry into the Amar Cave case of Girodpuri (sic). Instructions have been given to take strict action against those who disturb social harmony and have appealed to everyone to maintain peace and harmony.”