DEPUTY Chief Minister Vijay Sharma visited Baloda Bazar District Collectorate at around 1:30 am on Tuesday to assess the damage caused by the vandalism and arson incident perpetrated by agitators on Monday at the joint district office. Accompanied by Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel and Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma, the Deputy Chief Minister gathered detailed information about the incident from the Collector and Superintendent of Police. The Deputy CM also inspected the entire premises, including the Zila Panchayat, family court and janpad panchayat office, as well as the city, to assess the damages. Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the incident and instructed the concerned authorities to take the stern action against the offenders. During the visit, he found that a large number of vehicles were damaged, some belonging to poor people and officials on duty.

 

Government property was also damaged, numerous documents in the record room were burnt, and the building, constructed with great effort, was set on fire. Sharma emphasised that those who destroy public property are not social but anti social. Throughout the state, people revere Baba Guru Ghasidas, a symbol of peace. In May, Jaitkhambh was desecrated by unidentified anti-social elements at Amar Cave, following which the Satnami Community had demanded an investigation, dissatisfied with the police inquiry. Following extensive discussions, a judicial inquiry was announced on the instructions of the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

 

The Satnami Community had planned a programme to express their gratitude to the Chief Minister, but during this event, the crowd went out of control which led to this unfortunate incident some anti-social elements infiltrated the crowd and executed the incident, stated the Dy CM. An investigation has been initiated and strict action will be taken against the offenders, he added. IGs Amresh Mishra, Sanjeev Shukla, Collector K L Chauhan, SP Sadanand Kumar, along with a large number of public representatives and officials were present. Earlier in his X post, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai wrote, “Instructions have been given to the IG and Commissioner to immediately reach the scene of the unpleasant situation that has arisen in Baloda Bazar district.