Chhattisgarh news & politics
The latest news from Chhattisgarh, where Vishnu Deo Sai (BJP) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: protest opposition, crime violence, corruption scam.
Mahant warns of street protests if Chhattisgarh ignores farmers' plight and power crises
Charan Das Mahant, Chhattisgarh Leader of Opposition, wrote to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on October 16, 2026, urging more Legislative Assembly sittings. He warned that ignoring public issues like farmers' plight and power crises leads to street protests. Mahant alleged important motions go unaddressed and requested extending session durations by consulting the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Business Advisory Committee.
Dhamtari churches install noticeboards to avoid "draconian" Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026
Diamond Philus, general secretary of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum, stated that churches in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh installed noticeboards restricting worship to Christians. These measures aim to avoid action under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026. Over 1,000 people submitted self-declaration forms at the District Collectorate. Philus alleged the law is draconian and cited disruptions by right-wing groups.
The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026
The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, enacted by the BJP government under Vishnu Deo Sai, imposes stricter punishments for "illegal conversions." Consequently, signs in Dhamtari and Kanker warn against non-Christian entry or prohibit pastors. Diamond Philus of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum reports disruptions by Bajrang Dal. Meanwhile, Punpalli panchayat and Jamgaon gram sabha used the PESA Act to ban Christian burials and gatherings.
Amit Shah announces Bastar rebuild as 8,526 maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh
On October 15, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced efforts to rebuild Bastar and rehabilitate victims of Left-Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh. A disability assistance programme from October 5-7 benefited over 3,600 people. Approximately 8,526 maoists surrendered; 7,500 received bank accounts, 1,625 received reward money, 7,882 received incentives, 455 received jobs, and 129 were allotted land.
Court grants CBI 3 more months to probe Shravan Suryavanshi's custodial death
On October 13, 2026, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta granted the Central Bureau of Investigation three more months to probe the 2024 custodial death of 34-year-old Shravan Suryavanshi in Bilaspur Central Jail. The court previously ordered a CBI probe, directed the state to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation, and scheduled a further hearing for February 2.
4 CRPF personnel injured in accidental blast while disposing explosives near Sukma camp
On Thursday (October 8) evening, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured during an accidental blast while disposing of unserviceable explosives near Elarmadgu security camp in Sukma district. The Ammunition Technical Team of the 50th battalion reported that Assistant Sub-Inspector M K Tiwari, Inspector Amarnath Mishra, ASI Anees Khan, and Head Constable Kuldeep Raj were injured. Both ASIs sustained serious injuries.
Chhattisgarh Police release 4 migrant workers after Calcutta High Court intervention
On October 7, 2026, Chhattisgarh Police released four migrant workers—Sabir Sheikh (42), Safikul Islam (39), Nasiruddin Sheikh (35), and Laltu Sheikh (28)—from a Raipur holding centre. They were detained on September 4, 2026, for suspected Bangladeshi nationality. Following Calcutta High Court intervention on October 5, 2026, and the receipt of a delayed Murshidabad District Administration report, Rajneesh Singh ordered their release.
Fast Track Court hands death penalties to Kuldeep Sahu, Chandrakant Chaudhary, and Phool Singh
On October 8, 2026, a Fast Track Court (FTC) in Surajpur district handed death penalties to Kuldeep Sahu (32), Chandrakant Chaudhary (28), and Phool Singh, alias Rinku (28). Judge Anand Prakash Wariyal also sentenced Aryan Vishwakarma, alias Goldy (20), to life imprisonment for killing a policeman's wife and 11-year-old daughter in 2024. Government counsel Suresh Sharma confirmed the convictions.
Calcutta High Court intervenes as Chhattisgarh Police release 4 migrant workers from Raipur centre
The Calcutta High Court intervened after Chhattisgarh Police detained four migrant workers from Murshidabad, including Sabir Sheikh (42), Safikul Islam (39), Nasiruddin Sheikh (35), and Laltu Sheikh (28), on September 4, 2026. Following a court rap on October 5, 2026, the men were released from a Raipur holding centre at 9 pm on October 7, 2026, as Indians.
Chhattisgarh Police detain 23 West Bengal migrants suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals
Chhattisgarh Police detained 23 migrant workers from West Bengal on September 4, 2026, suspecting them of being Bangladeshi nationals. Four men—Sabir Sheikh (42), Safikul Islam (39), Nasiruddin Sheikh (35), and Laltu Sheikh (28)—remain in a Raipur detention centre after their names were deleted from the voters list during an Election Commission of India (ECI) revision. Their families filed a petition at the Calcutta High Court, where Justice Krishna Rao criticized the state's "double standard" while the tribunal reviews their appeals.
ECI postpones Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s two-day Chhattisgarh visit due to “unavoidable reasons”
The Election Commission of India (ECI) postponed a two-day visit by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and senior officials to Chhattisgarh on October 7 and 8, 2026, due to “unavoidable reasons.” The Chief Electoral Officer in Chhattisgarh issued the order on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The trip included visits to Danteshwari, Bhoramdeo, and Chitrakoot water fall.
Security forces recover AK-47, explosives and Maoist arms in Dantewada district
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, security forces including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recovered Maoist arms and explosives in Dantewada district. Led by Chandramohan Singh, the operation yielded an AK-47, INSAS rifle, BGL, bombs, and uniforms. This follows previous looting of 100 firearms; 72 weapons have been recovered since March 31.
