Communal Clash Erupts in Bakli Village, Gariaband; Homes Set Ablaze, Heavy Police Deployed

Raipur, Feb 2, 2026: A violent clash between two communities in Bakli village of Gariaband district has escalated into communal tension. Reports indicate that recently released criminals, armed with weapons, attacked villagers, prompting enraged locals to retaliate by setting fire to the homes and vehicles of the alleged assailants.

Arrests Made, Past Criminal Records Cited
Police confirmed that three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects were reportedly involved in a widely circulated robbery and assault video on social media about four months ago. Previously, they had been arrested for vandalizing a Shiva temple in the district and were recently released on bail.

Violence Triggers Widespread Anger
According to eyewitnesses, the armed attack on members of one community sparked widespread anger in the village. In retaliation, villagers set fire to several homes and three to four vehicles. Police teams rushed to the scene, restoring order and turning the area into a security zone. Fire tenders and ambulances were deployed to control the fires and assist the injured. Several police personnel also sustained injuries while attempting to contain the violence.

Situation Under Control, But Tensions Persist
Authorities noted that the arrested individuals had been involved in extortion and robbery in the area for months and had been repeatedly jailed. Heavy police forces remain stationed in Bakli and surrounding villages to maintain law and order. While the situation is currently under control, communal tensions continue to simmer in the aftermath of the attack.