• 35 assailants allegedly sent to kill journalist’s family amid land dispute. 7 detained

  The Hitavada State Bureau Surajpur/Raipur 

 

In a shocking incident in Surajpur district, three members of Aaj Tak and India Today correspondent Santosh Toppo’s family—his parents and younger brother—were brutally murdered with axes over a land dispute on Friday. The attack occurred at around 1 pm in Jagannathpur’s Doobkapara under Khadgawa police outpost, leaving the journalist devastated and the region gripped with fear. The victims—Santosh’s mother Basanti Toppo (55), father Maghe Toppo (57), and younger brother Naresh Toppo (30)—were attacked while farming mustard on disputed land. The assailants, allegedly led by teacher Amendra, ambushed the family around 1 pm. following a heated altercation. Santosh, who was away during the incident, lost his entire family in the carnage.

 

The attackers reportedly chased the family, targeting their heads with axes. Basanti and Naresh died instantly, while Maghe succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. “My entire family has been wiped out,” Santosh said, breaking down in tears. He accused Amendra of masterminding the attack, alleging that the teacher had sent 35 men to kill his family over a long-standing land dispute. Meanwhile, talking to media persons, victim Santosh explained that a court verdict had recently ruled in his family’s favour regarding the land. “Despite the court order, Amendra built a house on our property and bore a grudge. When my family went to the field, he sent 35 armed men to eliminate them,” Santosh claimed. Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Nandini Thakur confirmed that seven suspects have been detained based on video evidence provided by Santosh’s younger brother. “We are investigating the case thoroughly, and the accused will be arrested soon,” Thakur assured. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime