Janjgir-Champa, Chhattisgarh: Police in Janjgir-Champa district have cracked down on a violent gang responsible for a series of brutal robberies and attempted murders across Shivrinayan and Pamgarh police station areas over two nights in late January. The crime spree left 13 civilians injured, including two critically wounded victims still hospitalized in Bilaspur and Raipur, one of whom remains in a coma.
The incidents occurred between the nights of January 27 and January 29, when the accused carried out five coordinated attacks on unsuspecting commuters and villagers, using iron rods, pipes, sticks, and belts. Victims were targeted on isolated and dark roads, assaulted primarily on the head, and robbed of mobile phones, cash, and valuables.
Police Encounter and Arrests
So far, police have arrested eight accused, while a ninth accused, identified as Ramnath, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during a police encounter. According to officials, Ramnath opened fire with a country-made firearm while attempting to escape police cordoning early in the morning. Police retaliated in self-defense, injuring him and taking him into custody.
Two juveniles involved in the crimes have also been detained under provisions of juvenile law.
Victims and Injuries
Among the seriously injured are Mukesh Rai Sagar and Aman Banjare, both residents of Kachanda village, currently admitted to private hospitals in Bilaspur in critical condition. Several other victims sustained head injuries and fractures, while others suffered minor injuries during the attacks.
Modus Operandi
Investigators revealed that the gang operated in an organized and highly violent manner, moving in groups on motorcycles and deliberately choosing secluded locations. The attackers would stop passersby, hurl abuses, launch direct blows to the head with iron rods, and then loot mobile phones and cash before fleeing. In many cases, they continued attacking additional victims along their escape routes to spread fear.
Seized Property
Police recovered weapons and stolen property worth approximately ₹4.09 lakh, including:
- Iron rods and pipes
- Wooden sticks and belts
- Motorcycles and scooters
- Multiple mobile phones
- Cash amounting to ₹9,000
Accused Identified
Those arrested include Nikhil Tandon (18), Maniram Gond (19), Naresh Yadav (19), Roshan Tandon (19), Ayush Ratre (18), along with others. Most of the accused are residents of Rahod and nearby areas in Janjgir-Champa district.
Legal Action
Multiple cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for robbery, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. All adult accused have been sent to judicial remand, while legal proceedings are underway against the juveniles.
Police Statement
Senior police officials stated that the operation demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach toward violent crime and assured residents that strict action will continue against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order.
The swift crackdown has brought relief to locals who had been living in fear following the violent spree.