Balodabazar’s Khatiyapati murder case has once again stirred unrest in the district following a recent police action involving a counter case. The move sparked widespread protests as locals accused the police of trying to weaken the original murder case by implicating innocent people.
Public Protests and Police Criticism
On Saturday, residents from the Purani Basti area gathered in large numbers outside the Superintendent of Police’s office, staging a demonstration from 2 pm to 5 pm. They demanded an impartial investigation and protested against the counter case filed by the police. The protesters alleged that the police were detaining innocent individuals under the pretext of the counter case to dilute the original murder investigation.
The agitation included slogans and a memorandum submitted to Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh. Local councillors Gautam Chauhan and Lokesh Kumar Chelak accused the police of conducting arbitrary arrests without warrants early on January 24. They also expressed disappointment over not being consulted despite their role as public representatives. Women from the affected families were present at the protest, voicing their anguish over the arrests.
Background of the Khatiyapati Murder Case
The murder occurred on the night of October 17, 2025, at Khatiyapati village, shaking the district. A violent clash erupted near the village panchayat building between two groups over an old feud. During the altercation, 21-year-old Harish Shayar, also known as Bhaka, was attacked. According to police reports, he was beaten with fists and stabbed multiple times in the abdomen, resulting in his death at the spot. Two others, 18-year-olds Deep Kurre and Sahil Shayar, suffered serious injuries; Deep was referred to Raipur’s Mekahara Hospital, while Sahil was treated locally.
The police investigation identified an old rivalry as the motive. Under supervision from senior officers, the City Kotwali police arrested seven accused, including a minor. Two suspects were taken into custody the following day, while the remaining five were later apprehended. The police claimed sufficient evidence was gathered to proceed with the case.
Controversy Over the Counter Case
The case took a new turn when the accused’s side filed a counter case. Following this, several residents of Purani Basti were arrested, leading to anger and allegations that the police are deliberately implicating the victim’s family members and their associates to weaken the original case. Relatives and councillors insisted that those detained were not present at the crime scene but had actually reported the incident to the police.
Harish Shayar’s brother Sahil recalled the night of the attack, describing how his brother was surrounded and assaulted by 30-35 youths near the panchayat building. Despite this testimony, the counter case named Sahil and his brothers as accused, intensifying public outrage.
During the protest, family members shared their grievances. Poonam Shayar lamented her husband’s arrest without prior notice. Jeet Manhare stated his son, Naveen, was wrongly arrested despite being at the market during the incident. Laxmi Shayar accused the police of detaining her two sons without informing the family, causing emotional distress.
In the memorandum submitted, councillor Lokesh Kumar Chelak demanded that innocent individuals not linked to the incident be cleared of all charges and called for a fair and unbiased investigation.
Responding to the situation, Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh assured that all police actions are within legal boundaries. He affirmed that arrests made in the counter case are based on evidence and that the investigation is ongoing. He further pledged that no innocent person would be wronged during the process.
The ongoing unrest over the Khatiyapati murder case highlights serious concerns about police procedures and fairness, emphasizing the need for transparent and just law enforcement in Balodabazar district.
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