A major controversy erupted in Surguja district on Wednesday after a serving Naib Tehsildar, who alleged he was assaulted by a sitting MLA and his supporters, lodged a police complaint, triggering cross-FIRs and drawing strong reactions from the administrative fraternity. Naib Tehsildar Tushar Manik, posted at Rajapur Sub-Tehsil under Mainpat Development Block, alleged that he was attacked at Rajapur Chowk following a dispute earlier in the evening inside the Sub-Tehsil office. The incident has since acquired political and administrative significance, with government employees raising concerns over the safety of officials while performing official duties. Acting on the complaint lodged by Manik, Ambikapur Kotwali Police registered an offence against Sitapur BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo, along with Yusuf, Nazim, Raja, Pankaj Gupta and around a dozen supporters. The case has been registered under non-bailable sections 221, 121(1), 191(2) and 132. According to complaints filed by both sides, the dispute began around 5 pm at the Rajapur Sub-Tehsil office when Seema Dhanaki, a resident of Kotchhal village and cousin of MLA Ramkumar Toppo, visited the office seeking signatures on a research certificate. Dhanaki alleged that the Naib Tehsildar misbehaved with her after she requested him to sign the document. She claimed the officer questioned her authority to direct him and allegedly instructed staff members to remove her from the office premises. Based on her complaint, Sitapur Police also registered an FIR against the Naib Tehsildar.

 

Rejecting the allegations, Tushar Manik stated that he had only informed the woman that his reader was absent and the document could be processed the following day. According to him, she insisted on immediate action, but he clarified that official procedures could not be bypassed. He denied any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour. The controversy escalated within half an hour of the office dispute. In his complaint, the Naib Tehsildar alleged that he was intercepted at Rajapur Chowk, where the MLA and his supporters publicly assaulted him. The incident reportedly occurred in the presence of Sitapur SDM Fagesh Sinha, who allegedly intervened and rescued the officer from the crowd. The alleged assault on a serving revenue officer triggered sharp reactions from the administrative fraternity. Members of the Surguja unit of the Chhattisgarh Junior Administrative Association condemned the incident and submitted a memorandum to the Collector demanding strict action and safeguarding for government officials. With allegations involving a ruling party legislator and a government officer on duty, the matter has taken on political overtones and is expected to remain under close legal and administrative scrutiny. Collector Ajit Vasant confirmed that he had initially received information from the MLA alleging misconduct by the Naib Tehsildar at the site. He said he immediately directed Sitapur SDM Fagesh Sinha to visit the location and submit a report.

 

“Subsequently, the Naib Tehsildar and the SDM informed me that the Naib Tehsildar had been assaulted. I personally summoned both officers and recorded their statements. The Naib Tehsildar stated that he had been manhandled,” the Collector said. He further stated that complaints had been lodged from both sides and that the police would investigate the allegations and proceed in accordance with law. Sitapur SDM Fagesh Sinha also confirmed the incident in his statement. Former Congress MLA Amarjeet Bhagat termed the alleged assault a serious matter and said such incidents raise concerns over increasing hooliganism, intimidation and interference in administrative functioning. Bhagat said attacks on officials performing their duties weaken governance and the law-and-order system. Referring to reports of the alleged assault, he stressed that the matter must be treated seriously and investigated impartially. He further said the administration must ensure strict action against those involved in criminal acts irrespective of political influence. According to him, any attempt to shield accused persons or suppress such incidents would embolden anti-social elements and erode public confidence in governance. Bhagat also urged the government and administration to remain vigilant and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future. Police investigation into both FIRs is currently under way.