BJP Leader Hacked to Death by Naxalites in Narayanpur District, Chhattisgarh

A Bharatiya Janata Party leader was killed on Saturday in Narayanpur district in poll-bound Chhattisgarh by Naxalites.

On Saturday, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was brutally assassinated in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh, which is currently preparing for the upcoming elections. The murder was carried out by Naxalites, according to a local police official.

Ratan Dubey, the vice president of BJP's Narayanpur district unit, was killed with a sharp-edged weapon around 5:30 pm in Kaushalnagar village's market under Jharaghati police station area. At the time of his death, he had been campaigning for Assembly polls scheduled to take place on November 7 and 17. Additional Superintendent of Police Hemsagar Sidar confirmed this information. A team of officers immediately rushed to the scene following the incident and Dubey's body was transported to Narayanpur town. Security forces have since initiated an operation in search of the unidentified attackers.

Dubey’s Role and Eyewitness Account

In addition to his role as vice president, Dubey also served as a member of both Narayanpur Zilla Panchayat and Maal Vahan Parivahan Sangh within his district. An eyewitness reported that during a public address by Dubey, two individuals emerged from the crowd and struck him on his head from behind. Despite attempting to escape into his car, more assailants surrounded him and inflicted fatal injuries with their weapons.

Political Reactions

Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Pushkar Sharma assured reporters that adequate security measures were implemented during poll campaigns but noted that they weren't informed about Dubey’s visit beforehand.BJP leader Om Mathur expressed deep sorrow over this brutal murder while condemning it as a cowardly act by Naxalites who fear being eliminated once BJP assumes power. State BJP chief Arun Sao criticised the ruling Congress party, suggesting that this incident is another in a series of targeted killings under their regime.

Previous Incidents and Accusations

This marks the sixth instance of a BJP leader being murdered by suspected Naxalites in Maoist-affected areas within the Congress-governed state. The opposition BJP has accused the ruling party of orchestrating targeted killings against its members as part of election strategy. Last month, a complaint was lodged with the Election Commission by the BJP seeking action into similar incidents and requesting deployment of Central forces at sensitive polling stations during elections.

Upcoming Elections

Narayanpur is among 20 Assembly seats where polls will be held on November 7. The second phase for the remaining 90-member House will occur on November 17, with vote counting scheduled for December 3.

In conclusion, these tragic events underscore an escalating tension between political parties amidst electoral proceedings in Chhattisgarh. It remains to be seen how authorities will respond to ensure safety and fairness in upcoming elections while dealing with such acts of violence.