Kawardha: While public outrage is directed towards the tragic Odisha incident, a grave human rights crisis is unfolding in Kawardha, Chhattisgarh. The region has been gripped by violence, where three individuals have lost their lives under disturbing circumstances. Allegations of police brutality and negligence are at the center of this tragedy, with many accusing the local authorities of failing to uphold justice.Series of deaths sparks public outcryThe situation began with the discovery of a man named Shiv Prasad Sahu, also known as Kachru, whose body was found hanging from a tree in Lohardih village. Villagers immediately rejected the polices claim that it was a suicide, believing Kachru was murdered. Their anger boiled over into violent protests, culminating in stone-pelting and the torching of the house belonging to Deputy Sarpanch Raghunath Sahu, who was suspected of being involved in Kachrus death. Tragically, Raghunath was burned alive in the fire set by the protesters.Allegations of police brutality and tortureAs tensions escalated, the local police cracked down on the villagers, leading to the brutal assault of several individuals, including women and children. Around 100 people were arrested. In a particularly shocking turn of events, Prashant Sahu, one of the arrested, died in police custody, allegedly due to the third degree torture inflicted on him. Prashants mother also claimed that she was stripped and beaten while in custody, adding another horrifying layer to the already grim situation.Body of a Man named Shiv Prasad Sahu aka Kachru was found hanging on a tree in the Lohardih village of Kawardha district in Chhattisgarh. After that angry villagers started protesting calling this a murder while the Police termed it a case of suicide. Later violence erupted and… pic.twitter.com/uTZ0AXjeZu— NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) September 22, 2024Leadership under scrutinyMuch of the blame for these tragic events has been directed at Kawardhas former Superintendent of Police, Abhishek Pallava, who many accuse of neglecting his duties in favor of spending time on social media. Pallava, who gained notoriety as a Reelbaaz officer for frequently making Instagram reels, has been criticized for prioritizing his online presence over the law and order of his district. In response to public anger, the government transferred Pallava from his post. However, many are questioning whether this is a sufficient solution. Critics argue that a mere transfer will not prevent him from repeating the same behavior in his next assignment.Is a transfer enoughThis incident raises broader questions about accountability and the state of policing in Chhattisgarh. While the transfer of Abhishek Pallava might temporarily alleviate tensions, it does not address the systemic issues that allowed such a situation to unfold in the first place. Will the community receive justice, or will the cycle of negligence and abuse continue elsewhere
