A day after Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ramcharan Gautam was brutally killed and several police officials were injured in a violent clash with tribals in Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj district, authorities have arrested six suspects and launched a manhunt for others involved in the attack.
Following Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s directives, State Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana flew to Rewa district to assess the situation. The CM has ordered strict action against the perpetrators and announced ₹1 crore in financial assistance to Gautam’s family. He also declared Gautam a martyr, ensuring that one of his family members will receive a government job.
The violence erupted in Gadra village, around 25 km from Mauganj, after members of the Kol tribe abducted and allegedly killed a man named Sunny Dwivedi, whom they blamed for the death of a tribal man, Ashok Kumar. While police records confirm that Kumar died in a road accident months ago, the Kol tribe suspected Dwivedi’s involvement.
When a police team, led by Shahpur Police Station House Officer Sandeep Bhartiya, arrived to rescue Dwivedi, they discovered he had already been lynched. As they attempted to intervene, they were attacked by a mob wielding sticks and stones. In the ensuing chaos, ASI Gautam suffered fatal injuries and later succumbed during treatment. Other police personnel were also injured and rushed to hospitals.
To control the situation, police fired shots in the air to disperse the mob. Heavy police deployment remains in Gadra, with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita imposed to prevent further disturbances.
Rewa Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Saket Pandey confirmed that six individuals have been arrested, and efforts are underway to track down the remaining attackers. Rewa Division Commissioner B.S. Jamod reported that seven government officials and police personnel injured in the attack are receiving treatment.
CM Yadav, who also oversees the state’s home department, condemned the attack, calling it an “inhuman and unfortunate incident.” He assured that law and order would be restored swiftly. Meanwhile, Mauganj BJP MLA Pradeep Patel linked the deteriorating security situation to rampant illegal drug activity in the region, demanding urgent intervention.
The opposition Congress seized the moment to criticize the government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Madhya Pradesh. Congress state chief Jitu Patwari pointed out that police personnel had been attacked in at least five different incidents in recent days.
ASI Gautam’s last rites were conducted in Gulua Pawaiya village in Satna district, with officials and locals paying tribute to his sacrifice.
