Raipur : Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai of Chhattisgarh announced today that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will undertake the investigation of the Sadhram murder case in Kawardha. The Chhattisgarh government has labeled Sadhram's murder as a terrorist activity, marking it as a significant development. This decision signifies the first case under the BJP-led government of Chhattisgarh to be handed over to the NIA.
Sai expressed profound grief over the brutal murder of Sadhram Yadav, which occurred recently in Kawardha. He emphasized that mere condemnation falls short in addressing such a heinous act. The family of Sadhram Yadav, seeking justice, demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, urging for the perpetrators to face the harshest punishment available under the law.
"The investigation of this incident will be entrusted to the NIA to ensure meticulous scrutiny," stated Chief Minister Sai during the announcement, with Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma present at the event.
The murder, which took place on January 20th in Kawardha, saw the arrest of six suspects by the local police. Ayaz Khan has been identified as the prime suspect in the case. Following Khan's arrest, the police also took stringent actions against him.
Moreover, the involvement of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UPATS) has been noted in the Sadhram case, as per the investigations carried out by the Kawardha police. The incident has sparked political tensions, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad calling for a shutdown in Kawardha on February 14th. The police have found evidence linking the murder to terrorist connections, prompting the inclusion of Section 16 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the case.
Currently, the five suspects in the Sadhram case are detained in Kawardha Jail, while one is held in a juvenile correctional facility. The decision to involve the NIA underscores the gravity of the situation, as authorities aim to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of citizens in Chhattisgarh.