Get It Probed By NIA, Demands Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel After BJP Calls Murder Of Its Worker ‘Targeted Killing’

Bhupesh Baghel, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, stated on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may request a National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation into the killing of a BJP employee last week in the Naxal-affected Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district if it is dissatisfied with the findings of the state police’s investigation.

On the evening of October 20, BJP member Birju Taram was shot and killed in his hamlet of Sarkheda, which is a part of the Aundhi police station district, by suspected Naxalites. It was described as a “targeted” death by the BJP.

In response to a question on the BJP’s assertion, Baghel said, “The last time they complained that BJP workers were being assassinated and targeted, I advised them to have the NIA look into the instances for their satisfaction. Even recommendations are not required for NIA. Chhattisgarh police were looking into the death of (BJP MLA) Bhima Mandavi (in a Naxalite assault in April 2019), but the BJP-led Centre sent NIA (to look into the issue).

“If they believe the Mohla-Manpur event was a targeted killing, they should request an investigation from the NIA. Who is holding them back? NIA might arrive given how ED and IT are moving in this area. Who will thwart the NIA? The basis for any investigation should be facts. The truth must be revealed, whether the investigation is conducted by the government, state police, or NIA,” he said.

Arun Sao, the head of the BJP’s state unit, went to Taram’s home in Sarkheda on Monday and claimed that the event was not only a targeted homicide but also a political murder carried out in an effort to gain power.

Violence doesn’t belong in a democracy. In addition to being a targeted homicide, Taram’s murder was also a murder committed for political reasons. But when political competition escalates into violence, the state administration remains mute. Sao told reporters that the BJP was dedicated to seeing that Taram’s family received justice.

Sao said that while Taram had alerted the local authorities to the danger to his life, nothing was done to provide him protection.

He said that since the Congress administration is afraid of the people (anticipating loss in the next Assembly elections), it is murdering BJP employees on purpose.

“The Congress has a history of killing political opponents to gain control. In Chhattisgarh, political killings have been occurring constantly. Earlier BJP activists in Bastar were assassinated; these killings were also political assassinations, he alleged.

On November 7 and 17, there will be two rounds of voting for the 90-member state Assembly. Vote tallying will happen on December 3.

Sunil Soni, a BJP member representing Raipur in the Lok Sabha, said on Monday that his party has complained to the Indian Election Commission over the killings of Taram and others.

He said that the BJP has also sought that central soldiers be stationed at voting places in Naxal-affected regions that are sensitive and very sensitive.

“The BJP has sought the removal of the Chhattisgarh Director General of Police and transfer of Inspector General of Police of the concerned range and Superintendent of Police of Mohla-Manpur district,” Soni said.