Chhattisgarh Assembly Erupts Over Bijapur Encounter Controversy

The Chhattisgarh legislative assembly saw heated debates as Congress MLAs questioned an encounter in Bijapur, claiming innocent villagers were killed. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma countered, stating 273 Naxalite-related incidents occurred between last December and June, with 137 Naxalites killed and 171 arrested. Congress MLAs alleged police misconduct; the Deputy CM refuted these claims.

The Chhattisgarh legislative assembly on Wednesday erupted in controversy as Congress MLAs raised concerns over a recent encounter in Bijapur district, accusing the police of killing innocent villagers instead of Naxalites.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma rebutted the allegations, asserting that the Congress should cease supporting Naxalites.

During the Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant inquired about Naxalite-related incidents from December to June.

Sharma, who also oversees the home portfolio, revealed that there were 273 Naxalite-related incidents, including 92 encounters, resulting in the deaths of 19 security personnel and 34 civilians while 137 Naxalites were killed and 171 arrested.

As of June 30, 790 Naxalites are in jail, with 765 under trial and 25 convicted.

Congress MLAs, including Kawasi Lakhma and Vikram Mandavi, challenged the credibility of the Bijapur encounter, alleging police targeted villagers collecting tendu leaves.

Sharma refuted the allegations and demanded the Congress stop making 'unacceptable' statements supporting Naxalites.

Following the Question Hour, Speaker Raman Singh resumed the day's proceedings amidst Congress MLAs' protests.