The judicial investigation into the cutting of the Jaitkham and subsequent violence and arson at Amar Gufa in village Mahkoni of Balodabazar district is gaining momentum. Judge C B Bajpai, chairman of the judicial commission formed to investigate the case, is set to arrive in Balodabazar on July 18 at 9 am.

 

From there, he will proceed to Amar Gufa located in Girodpuri and Mahkoni to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. The investigation follows a demand for a CBI inquiry by the Satnami community, who were dissatisfied with the cutting of the Jaitkham and the subsequent police actions. In response, the State Government ordered a judicial inquiry. The incident had led to widespread outrage within the Satnami community, culminating in a large demonstration at the Dussehra ground in Balodabazar. The protest attracted people from across the State and even from outside states. Following the demonstration, the situation escalated into arson, violence, and vandalism at the Collector and SP offices. In the aftermath, the police initiated a series of investigations and arrests. Balodabazar-Bhatapara Police had made last arrest on July 9 when they took 2 accused in custody for being involved in the incident of vandalism and arson in Balodabazar town.

 

The accused were identified as Bhim Krantiveer Student Union State President Gopi Bande and Bhim Krantiveer Vice-President Sandeep Kosle. Both the accused were involved in preparing the movement, making the outline, taking permission for the movement and as important members of the organising committee. On the basis of video, photo, CCTV footage and other technical analysis, the accused are being identified and arrested. Till now, a total of 158 accused individuals who carried out the incident of vandalism and arson in Balodabazar have been arrested. The police have also served notice to Congress MLA Devendra Yadav, who was seen before the start of violence.