Police alleged Congress workers attacked security personnel with stones, glass bottles
July 23, 2026: The Chhattisgarh Police have registered an FIR against 12 Congress leaders and workers following violent clashes during a BJP-led demonstration outside the Congress state headquarters, Rajiv Bhavan, in Raipur on Wednesday. According to police, Congress workers allegedly hurled stones, glass bottles, wooden sticks, shoes and other objects at security personnel during the confrontation. The protest was organised by the BJP in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demonstration near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in New Delhi.
The Congress, however, alleged that the violence was a pre-planned attack carried out by BJP workers with police support. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused BJP leaders and ministers of targeting the Congress office and claimed police used water cannons against Congress workers instead of restraining BJP protesters. Police had erected barricades to stop BJP workers from marching towards Rajiv Bhavan, but tensions escalated after attempts were made to breach the barricades, leading to the use of water cannons and tear gas.
According to the FIR lodged by Khamardih Police Station SHO Bhawesh Kumar Gautam, Congress workers ignored repeated warnings, scuffled with police personnel and attacked them while officers were trying to maintain law and order. Police said two personnel were hospitalised and 13 others suffered minor injuries. The FIR has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rioting, obstructing public servants and assaulting officials on duty. Those named in the FIR include Sunil Kukreja, Vinod Tiwari, Saklen Kamdar, Akash Tiwari and Honey Bagga.