Bajrang Dal Leader Sujit Soni Found Dead [Balrampur, Chhattisgarh]

(Reported as seen)

On the night of May 26, 25-year-old Sujit Soni, also known as Sujit Swarnkar, the Bajrang Dal district co-convenor of Balrampur, Chhattisgarh, was found dead alongside a young woman named Kiran Kashi. The bodies were discovered near the Dumarkhi Dhaba on National Highway 343 in the Dumarkhi forest area. The initial condition of Sujit’s body indicated signs of severe violence, including broken bones and an attempt to slit his throat. The presence of burn marks suggested an attempt to burn the bodies after their death.

Upon discovering the bodies, the police, along with a dog squad and forensic experts, began their investigation. The initial hypothesis linked the deaths to potential foul play by cow smuggling gangs, given Sujit’s known activism against cow smuggling. However, the post-mortem report later revealed that both victims had died due to electric shock. This finding shifted the investigation’s focus.

Following the post-mortem results, the police arrested three individuals, claiming they had laid live wires in the Dumrakhi forest to hunt wild animals. The suspects reportedly confessed, and police recovered wires, pegs, sticks, and other items from the location mentioned by the accused.

Despite the police explanation, Hindu organizations, including the Bajrang Dal, and local residents expressed deep dissatisfaction. They accused the police of converting a murder case into an accidental death to protect the real culprits. Protests erupted, with people blocking roads and burning tires. The demonstrators demanded a thorough and unbiased investigation, suspecting a cover-up. Bajrang Dal leaders emphasized that Sujit had received death threats from cow smugglers due to his activism.

State Minister Ramvichar Netam issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and promising a high-level investigation if the victim’s family was unsatisfied with the current probe. He also assured all possible assistance to the families.

The protests continued as locals and Bajrang Dal members remained unconvinced by the police’s narrative. They staged sit-ins, blocking traffic, and accused the police of not adequately addressing the possibility of murder. The protest only dispersed after the police used mild force and dismantled the protest site. Despite the intervention by SSP Dr. Lal Umed Singh, who attempted to pacify the protesters, tensions remained high.

The Hindu organizations have also reached out to the Chief Minister and state administration, demanding justice and a proper investigation into Sujit Soni’s death. They reject the theory of accidental death due to electric shock and insist on exploring the possibility of a targeted murder by cow smuggling gangs.

The death of Bajrang Dal leader Sujit Soni in Chhattisgarh has sparked significant controversy, with allegations of a police cover-up transforming a suspected murder into an accidental death case. The local community and Hindu organizations demand a thorough and transparent investigation, suspecting foul play linked to cow smuggling activities. The situation remains tense, with ongoing demands for justice and accountability.