Revenue services hit as tehsildars go on strike over ‘assault’ by BJP MLA, supporters

Raipur: Revenue services across Chhattisgarh were disrupted on Monday as around 500 tehsildars and naib tehsildars launched an indefinite pen-down strike, demanding action against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and his supporters over the alleged assault of a revenue officer in Surguja district.

All revenue-related work across the state came to a standstill, causing hardship to the public, as tehsildars and naib tehsildars—considered the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s revenue administration—joined the indefinite strike. The protest has affected revenue work in 146 tehsils and sub-tehsils, including mutation cases, caste and income certificate applications, revenue court matters, land acquisition proceedings, and beneficiary verification processes.

The protest follows an alleged altercation on May 27 in Sitapur, where Naib Tehsildar Tushar Manik accused Toppo and his supporters of assaulting him and obstructing him from discharging his official duties.

Chhattisgarh Kanisth Prashasanik Seva Sangathan president Krishna Kumar Lahare said the association had submitted a memorandum through district collectors seeking action against those involved but had received no assurance from the government.

“We have begun an indefinite strike demanding action against the accused, including the MLA. The public will bear the brunt of the disruption if the issue remains unresolved,” Lahare said.

A meeting between Sangh representatives and the revenue department secretary was held on Monday. Lahare described the discussion as positive but said members would decide later whether to continue the strike.

Police have registered cross FIRs in the case. While a woman complainant lodged a case against the revenue officer, the naib tehsildar accused the MLA and his supporters of assault and obstruction.

The incident has triggered political controversy, with the Congress questioning whether such incidents are consistent with the state government’s ‘Sushasan Tihar’ campaign and its claims of good governance.

Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Karmchari Adhikari Federation (CKAF) extended moral support to the strike and warned of a statewide agitation if strict action is not taken. State convener Kamal Verma said attacks on and intimidation of government officials undermine both administrative functioning and employee morale.