Congress MLA Detained Following Violence at Satnami Community Protest in Chhattisgarh

Congress MLA Devendra Yadav was detained on Saturday in connection with the June 10 violence in Balodabazar, Chhattisgarh, during a Satnami community protest, according to a police official. Yadav accused the BJP government of framing Congress workers in the arson case. He was taken from his home in Durg district and brought to Balodabazar, where he was formally arrested, said Balodabazar Superintendent of Police Vijay Agrawal.

Yadav, a prominent young leader of the party and a second-term MLA from Bhilai Nagar constituency, faced arrest related to a case filed at Kotwali police station concerning the Balodabazar arson incident. The charges included sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 147 (punishment for rioting), 186 (voluntary obstruction of a public servant), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant), and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

Supporters Rally Behind Yadav

As news of Yadav's arrest spread, several supporters gathered outside his residence in Bhilai Nagar area in Durg, chanting slogans. Police personnel from Balodabazar, along with their Durg counterparts, arrived at Yadav's house around 7 AM. Despite attempts by supporters to shield him, police managed to take Yadav into custody around 5 PM.

Yadav was produced in a local court and remanded to judicial custody until August 20. Sources indicated that police had summoned Yadav multiple times for his statement but he did not cooperate, leading to his apprehension.

Background of the Incident

The unrest began when unidentified individuals vandalised a jaitkham or victory pillar, a revered symbol for the Satnami community, near Amar Gufa at Giroudpuri Dham on the night of May 15-16. This act triggered protests in June. On June 10, during a Satnami protest against the desecration of the victory pillar, a mob set fire to a government office building and over 150 vehicles in Balodabazar city. This led to the imposition of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Congress leaders, including Yadav, allegedly attended a public meeting during the Satnami demonstration at Dussehra Maidan. Around 150 people were arrested in connection with the June 10 arson incident, including members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) and the Bhim Regiment.

Political Reactions

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticised Yadav's arrest as politically motivated and urged police not to act under political pressure. "The role of the government and police in this entire incident is suspicious," Baghel stated. He pointed out that no BJP member was questioned or arrested despite allegations against former MLA Sanam Jangde.

A video from the Satnami community's demonstration showed Yadav neither climbing on stage nor staying long. "The arrest of Devendra Yadav is purely out of political malice and we oppose it," Baghel said. He added that they would seek legal advice for future actions.

Yadav's Response

Yadav claimed he had previously appeared before Balodabazar police when summoned. He slammed the ruling BJP government for targeting Congress workers and vowed to continue his fight for justice. "The state government has been trying to implicate Congress workers in the Balodabazar arson case," he said. "I am not scared of the government and I will fight this legal battle."

The influential Satnami community, founded by medieval-era social reformer Baba Guru Ghasidas, represents Chhattisgarh's largest Scheduled Castes group. The community's agitation following the vandalism incident highlights ongoing tensions.

Yadav is also implicated in cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate and Chhattisgarh's Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing related to an alleged coal levy scam uncovered during Congress rule in Chhattisgarh.