Overview
- Clashes broke out in Badetevda/Bade Tewda in Kanker district after sarpanch Rajman Salam buried his 70-year-old father on private land reportedly following Christian rites.
- Police say an Executive Magistrate ordered the exhumation, with a panchnama and post-mortem initiated and legal action to follow.
- An enraged crowd vandalised a prayer hall and at least two churches were reported set ablaze, with properties of Christians also attacked, according to local accounts.
- Around 20 police personnel, including Antagarh ASP Ashish Banchhor, were injured as stone-pelting and baton charges were reported during efforts to restore order.
- Officials said the exhumed body was taken out of the village, post-mortem completed, and then moved to a crematorium outside the area as security forces maintained a heavy presence.