Janjgir-Champa (Chhattisgarh): Congress legislator Vyas Kashyap was arrested along with 11 others by Janjgir-Champa police for allegedly blocking a major roadway during a protest over poor road conditions. The arrests were made on Sunday by Kotwali Police, following an investigation into a six-hour road blockade that took place on June 30, 2025.
The protest was organized to demand urgent repairs to the severely damaged Jarve–Peethampur road, located barely two kilometers from the district headquarters. The road blockade disrupted traffic on National Highway 49, causing massive congestion and inconvenience to commuters.
Case Filed After Ambulance Was Stuck
According to police officials, the case was registered based on a written complaint filed by a private ambulance driver who was stuck in traffic during the protest. The police booked MLA Kashyap and other protestors under Sections 191(2) and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obstructing public movement and disturbing public order.
Following the registration of the case, Kotwali Police arrested 12 named individuals, including local leaders and activists. All the accused were later released on bail after furnishing bonds.
Protest to “Wake Up Authorities,” Says MLA
Defending the protest, MLA Vyas Kashyap said the blockade was a last resort to draw the administration’s attention to the long-neglected road condition.
The stretch from Jarve village to the religious town of Peethampur, home to the revered Baba Kaleshwar Nath temple, has remained in a dilapidated state for years. Residents claim repeated appeals to the Public Works Department (PWD) went unanswered.
Hundreds of villagers participated in the protest, leading to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the highway. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, were also affected.
Police Issue Strict Warning
Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Pandey issued a strong warning against road blockades, stating that obstructing public roads is a serious offense.
“Chakka jams disrupt public life. School children, ambulances, passenger buses, and people on emergency duties suffer due to such actions. No leniency will be shown in such cases,” the SP said.
MLA Unfazed by Arrest
Responding to the police action, Vyas Kashyap said he would continue to stand with the people on issues of public interest.
“I am not afraid of FIRs or arrests. Most roads in the district are in terrible condition. Officials ignore problems until people raise their voices. If this is what it takes to get attention, we will continue to fight for public welfare,” the legislator said.
The incident has once again sparked debate over infrastructure neglect and the legality of protest methods in the state.