C'garh: Ex-Cong MLA's mother killed, father injured

Raipur, Jun 11: Mother of former Congress MLA Shiv Kumar Dahariya was killed and his father critically injured after unidentified persons allegedly attacked them at their house in a village near here today, police said.

Godavari Bai Dahariya, 65, was found murdered and her husband Asharam (76) injured in the compound of their house in Chhachhanpairi village under Sejbahar police station limits this morning, Inspector General of Police, Raipur Range GP Singh told PTI.

Dahariya was an MLA from Bilaigarh constituency. As per preliminary investigation, the assailants attacked the elderly couple, who were staying alone in the house, with sharp-edged weapons like axe in the wee hours.

A police team reached the spot after the neighbours informed them about the incident. Asharam was admitted to a nearby hospital, he said.

Prima facie, it appears that loot could be the motive behind the attack as some articles were found scattered inside the house, the senior officer said.

Although, investigation is underway keeping in view all angles and the cause behind the murder could be ascertained after completion of the probe, the IG said, adding a case has been registered in this connection.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Raman Singh, state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and former chief minister Ajit Jogi reached the hospital to see Dahariya's father.

While speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Singh condemned the incident and said he has directed police to arrest the culprits soon.

"Dahariya's father has sustained serious injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment. I have asked the doctors to provide best possible medical assistance to him," Singh said.

PCC chief Baghel suspected that the attack appears to be well planned as victims were hit on their heads in an attempt to kill them. Police should focus on all these angles during the probe, Baghel said.

PTI