Tribal Youth Murdered in Chhattisgarh for Refusing ATM Pin

A 21-year-old man was fatally beaten by two individuals, including a minor, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred after an argument over a lift request and the refusal to provide an ATM pin, according to police on Monday. The suspects were apprehended on Sunday while attempting to flee Raipur.

The altercation took place in the early hours of June 24. Mangal Muria, the victim, sought a lift from the accused in the Kalibadi area. Identified as Savan Dongre and an unnamed minor, the assailants attacked Muria and took his ATM card, bank passbook, and PAN card. When Muria refused to disclose his ATM pin, they smashed his head on the road and fled upon hearing a police siren.

Details of the Incident

Muria succumbed to his injuries in a hospital on June 25. A murder case was subsequently registered on June 29. Muria was a tribal from Lohandiguda in Bastar district and was studying a health worker course at a private university in Raipur. He resided in Mana Camp area.

State Congress chief Deepak Baij criticised the ruling BJP, highlighting that a tribal student was killed under the leadership of tribal Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Baij stated, "It is very unfortunate that tribals are not safe in the rule of a tribal CM. The tribals of Bastar are not safe even in Raipur."

Political Reactions

Baij further questioned the state's law and order situation, saying, "A tribal youth was beaten to death. What was the fault of Mangal Muria? He had taken admission in a private college in Naya Raipur and had just enquired about the direction and asked for a lift but he was thrashed to death."

He also criticised the police's effectiveness, claiming they have become inactive and incompetent. "His parents had dreamt of educating him but they didn't know there is jungle raj in Chhattisgarh," Baij added.

In response, state BJP spokesperson Devlal Thakur accused Baij of politicising the murder. Thakur said Baij should address the deaths of 40,000 tribal children due to lack of treatment during the previous Congress government under Bhupesh Baghel.

The tragic event has sparked political debate over tribal safety and governance in Chhattisgarh. The police continue their investigation into the incident while political leaders exchange accusations over responsibility for tribal welfare.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety and law enforcement effectiveness in Chhattisgarh. As investigations proceed, both political parties remain engaged in a heated debate over accountability and governance issues affecting tribal communities.