Bilaspur: The alleged mastermind of the Khaparganj violence in Bilaspur, Sohel Khan, has surrendered before police, while three of his associates have also been arrested. Currently all four suspects in connection with the incident are being questioned by police officers.
The incidents exploded on the night of August 28 over a tussle between two groups near a biryani centre within the jurisdiction of the City Kotwali police station. The anger raised when they were persuaded to come to road with their allies, claiming to be coming from both sides, prompting a lot of stone-throwing on the road.
In the ensuing riot, several were seriously injured and then a large police force was brought in to put out the riot. Meanwhile, the SSP and Collector arrived at the location, while law and order were restored.
The police had been on a search and rescue mission for Sohel Khan since the incident. He went on the run for another four days and finally turned himself in to the Koni police station at night on Sept. 1, reportedly under growing pressure from the police.
In the meantime, three of his missing co-accused, including Arbaaz and Abdul Razzaq of Khaparganj, were arrested from Lalkhadar area by the police.
Before these arrests, police had arrested 11 people, including eight from Sohel Khan’s group and three from the group related to Thakur Ram Singh. In the wake of Sohel Khan’s arrest, there are now 12 people who have been arrested.
But there is one other accused whose name is Thakur Ram Singh who has also gone missing, along with some other accused. In a bid to catch all those allegedly involved in the violence, police have continued their efforts.