Shootout in Bilaspur sparks fear, raises law & order concerns

The recent shootout at Bilaspur has once again instilled fear among residents, highlighting the district’s deteriorating law and order situation. Over the past decade, Bilaspur has witnessed significant social and structural changes, leading to an increase in criminal activities. The emergence of cement industries brought illegal mining and conflicts among truckers, which worsened further with the influx of money from land acquisitions for four-lane and railway projects.

The attack on former MLA Bambar Thakur is not an isolated incident. Last year, on February 23, he was stabbed and hospitalised. Another major incident occurred on June 20, 2025, when a shootout took place near the Bilaspur court complex. The latest attack, at his residence near administrative and judicial officers’ quarters, has raised serious security concerns.

Residents are alarmed by the rising crime rate. Rakesh Kumar, a local, lamented that hooliganism was rampant and that women felt unsafe in public spaces. Santosh, a visitor, was shocked at how an armed individual managed to storm the former MLA’s house despite heavy police presence. “Bilaspur is no longer a peaceful place,” he remarked.

Anju, a college student, pointed out that beyond violent crimes, women also faced eve-teasing and harassment. She stressed that the safety of women had been compromised. The shootout also exposed the failure of the intelligence agencies, as such a well-planned attack went undetected.

Meanwhile, Bambar Thakur’s PSO is undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bilaspur, while the former MLA himself has been admitted to IGMC Shimla.