Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday pledged strict action against those responsible for the death of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) who was killed while attempting to rescue a man during a violent clash in Mauganj district. The incident has sparked a political row, with the opposition Congress criticizing the state government over its handling of law and order.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday when a group of Kol tribe members allegedly abducted Sunny Dwivedi, suspecting him of involvement in the death of a tribal man, Ashok Kumar, months earlier. According to police records, Kumar had died in a road accident. A police team rushed to Gadra village to rescue Dwivedi but found that he had already died, reportedly after being beaten by the mob.
When the police attempted to enter the room where Dwivedi was held, they were attacked by the tribals with sticks and stones, leaving several officers injured. ASI Ramcharan Gautam of the Special Armed Force succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Expressing grief over the incident, CM Yadav said, “What happened in Mauganj yesterday is deeply saddening. An ASI lost his life, and several others were injured. The situation is now under control, and I have directed senior officials to reach the spot immediately. I hope the situation will normalize soon.”
In a post on X, Yadav, who also holds the home portfolio, stated that he has instructed authorities to take strict action against those involved in the “inhuman and unfortunate” incident. He confirmed that ASI Gautam died during the police team’s efforts to resolve a dispute between two groups in Gadra village under Shahpur police station.
Yadav added that the injured policemen have been admitted to a hospital in Rewa for treatment. He also mentioned that Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) has been imposed in the area, and senior officials, including the DIG of Rewa and SP of Mauganj, have been deployed to manage the situation. The ADG of Rewa Zone and the Director General of Police have also been directed to supervise the operations.
Meanwhile, state Congress president Jitu Patwari slammed the BJP-led government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Madhya Pradesh. He cited several recent incidents, including the death of an innocent tribal during an anti-Naxal operation in Mandla district and clashes between police and lawyers in Indore.
“The police committed atrocities on tribals in Mauganj, who retaliated and attacked the police. Law and order have completely collapsed in Madhya Pradesh. The Home Minister has failed. If police are attacked at five places in one or two days, where is the law and order?” Patwari questioned.