Minor Hindu Boy Burned in Muharram Bonfire Altercation [Korba, Chhattisgarh]

(Reported as seen)

In a harrowing incident in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, a minor Hindu boy was severely injured after being pushed into a bonfire during a Muharram procession. The incident occurred on the night of July 16, 2024, in the village of Nonbirra, under the jurisdiction of the Kartala police station.

According to reports, the incident unfolded around a Tazia preparation, a traditional bonfire lit as part of the Muharram celebrations. The 15-year-old victim, identified as Shravan, was present at the scene when an argument broke out between him and a group of local Islamists. The dispute escalated into a scuffle, during which Shravan was forcefully pushed into the burning embers.

The immediate aftermath was chaotic, with Shravan screaming in pain as he was pulled from the fire. He sustained significant burns on his back and was rushed to the District Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police UBS Chauhan, Katghora ASP Neha Verma, and the Dial 112 team, along with Kartala police, arrived at the scene. An FIR has been registered against the involved Islamist youths under Sections 109, 190, and 191 of the Indian Penal Code for attempted murder.

The altercation reportedly stemmed from a pre-existing dispute. Following the incident, tension surged in the village, prompting the deployment of additional police forces to maintain order. The police have detained eight minor boys in connection with the case, and their family backgrounds are under investigation. The boys will be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board for further proceedings.

The situation in Nonbirra is now reported to be under control, with ongoing police investigations aimed at addressing the violence and ensuring justice for the victim.