Suspicious Death of Tribal Welfare Driver Raises Concerns in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh

Surajpur, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : In Surajpur, Chhattisgarh, the driver for the Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department has died under suspicious circumstances. Authorities report that the driver, identified as Lakhanram, had traveled to a remote village with a relative for traditional treatment. Lakhanram was visiting his brother-in-law in the village of Persiya, located in the Odagi police station area.According to police, he consumed excessive alcohol during the visit, which left him unable to walk. Afterward, he was assisted by another individual and left to sleep at a familiar home. The following morning, when his brother-in-law went to check on him, Lakhanram was missing. His body was later discovered in a pit approximately 100 to 200 meters from the house. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Yogesh Kumar Devangan stated that an investigation has been initiated.Authorities suspect that his death may have resulted from falling into the pit after drinking heavily, although the exact cause will only be determined following a post-mortem examination. This incident has raised questions among family members and the community regarding the circumstances surrounding Lakhanram's death. Compounding the tragedy, poor road conditions made it challenging to transport his body from the remote village. Due to muddy and damaged roads, villagers improvised a stretcher using bedsheets, blankets, and bamboo to carry the body to a location accessible by vehicles.The situation highlights ongoing concerns about inadequate road infrastructure in the area. Recently, residents had protested for improved access to Persiya village. The police are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the precise cause of death, and further investigations are ongoing.