Heads roll in Loharidih arson over brutality allegations

 

 

 

In a sweeping disciplinary action following the Loharidih arson case in Kawardha district, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Rengakhar Police Station, along with all 23 staff members, has been line-attached. Additionally, Sub-Inspector (SI) Kumar Mangalam and woman constable Ankita have been suspended amid serious allegations of brutality. The woman constable is accused of viciously assaulting an unarmed girl in front of Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Pallava. A new police team has been assigned to take over the investigation, signalling the gravity of the matter. During a press conference, Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General (IG) Deepak Kumar Jha provided further details on the disciplinary action.

 

Along with the suspension of SI Kumar Mangalam and Constable Ankita, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanjay Dhruv has been replaced by Krishna Chandrakar to oversee the ongoing probe into the incident. The investigation now comes under the direct supervision of senior officials, reflecting the seriousness with which the case is being handled. Notably, the events began with the discovery of Shiv Prasad Sahu’s body hanging from a tree in Birsa, Madhya Pradesh, on the night of 14th September. Following his death, villagers suspected foul play and set fire to the house of Raghunath Sahu, resulting in his death from severe burns. In response, police arrested 69 villagers, including 33 women, on suspicion of murder. However, the situation escalated further when one of the accused, Prashant Sahu, died in judicial custody under suspicious circumstances. His body showed visible signs of injury, leading to allegations from the villagers that he was tortured to death while in jail. These shocking developments have ignited public outrage, with protests led by Congress leaders and local residents demanding strict action against the officers involved. Prashant Sahu’s family has not only demanded justice but is also seeking substantial compensation from the government. In response to the escalating situation, the Congress party has called for a state-wide bandh (shutdown) on Saturday, to press for justice and transparency in the investigation.