Three burnt alive in Koriya mining dispute, BJP leader among dead

A long-running sand mining rivalry in Koriya turned deadly when a vehicle was allegedly torched, killing three people, including BJP leader Bharat Singh

PGurus Newsdesk

June 18, 2026

Three people, including BJP leader Bharat Singh, were killed after a vehicle was allegedly set ablaze during a violent mining dispute in Chhattisgarh's Koriya district

BJP leader Bharat Singh among three dead after Fortuner trapped and set on fire amid escalating sand mining rivalry

A long-running dispute over sand mining in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district turned deadly on Tuesday night when a Fortuner SUV was allegedly surrounded and set ablaze, killing three people, including BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat President Bharat Singh, popularly known as Lalla Singh.

The incident occurred in Naugain village under the Sonhat police station limits. According to the victim’s family, Bharat Singh had gone to discuss a settlement related to a sand mining dispute when the attack allegedly took place.

Key points

Three people died in the incident:
Bharat Singh alias Lalla Singh
Virendra Singh, who later succumbed to injuries
Nagendra Singh, a teacher and Bharat Singh’s cousin
One injured survivor, Mayank Singh, remains in critical condition at a hospital in Bilaspur.

Police have arrested four accused:

Akshat Tripathi
Vishal Tripathi
Satyaprakash Tripathi
Mannu Tripathi

A case has been registered against nine named accused under charges including murder and attempted murder.

What happened?

Investigators believe the attack stemmed from a bitter rivalry over sand mining operations and transportation in the region. According to reports, the Fortuner carrying Bharat Singh and others was allegedly blocked by trucks from both sides, preventing escape.

The vehicle was then allegedly doused with fuel and set on fire. Bharat Singh died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries.

Mining dispute under scanner

Police say the violence appears linked to a prolonged dispute between groups associated with Bharat Singh and members of the Tripathi family over control of sand transportation and related operations in the area.

Officials said tensions between the two sides had existed for months, with previous cases also registered in connection with the rivalry.

Investigation underway

Additional Superintendent of Police Suresha Chaubey said preliminary findings point to a long-standing conflict between the two factions. Four accused have been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace others who remain absconding.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact sequence of events that led to the fire and said forensic and investigative teams are examining all aspects of the case.

Political reactions

The incident has triggered strong political reactions across the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said those responsible would not be spared. Local MLA Bhaiyalal Rajwade described the incident as unprecedented in Koriya’s history.
Former MLA Gulab Kamro condemned the killings and demanded strict action against the accused.

The victim’s family has demanded a CBI inquiry, alleging that the attack was pre-planned and executed as part of a larger conspiracy linked to the mining dispute.

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