Murder charges dropped against 20 BJP workers:MP govt reports SC in Congress MLA driver’s death case; negligence section invoked

The driver of former Congress MLA Kunwar Vikram Singh Natiraja, Salman Khan, died during the 2023 assembly election night. The state government has submitted a status report to the Supreme Court stating that his death was accidental, caused by a vehicle collision. Murder charges have been dropped, and the case now falls under Section 304A (causing death by negligence). Death during Assembly poll night On 17 November 2023, at around 2:40 AM, during polling for the assembly elections, a dispute broke out between Congress MLA Kunwar Vikram Singh Natiraja and BJP candidate Arvind Pateria. Reports suggest the Congress MLA received information that BJP workers were distributing money to voters. During the argument, convoys of Congress and BJP workers met on the road. Salman, the MLA’s driver, was standing nearby when a speeding car ran over him. Congress worker Shivam Bundela was also injured while trying to save Salman. FIR against BJP members The first FIR was registered on 17 November 2023. Initially, 20 BJP workers, including candidate Arvind Pateria, were named under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder). Post-Mortem Confirms Accidental Death The post-mortem report showed Salman had severe head injuries, multiple broken bones, and significant blood loss. The PM report confirmed that he died in a vehicle collision. Witnesses stated that Arvind Pateria’s car had left the scene before Salman was hit by another vehicle from behind. Discovery under the car The black Scorpio (UP-95 V 7383) involved in the incident was rented by Vicky Baghel and driven by Narendra Tiwari. Both later stated that they felt something under the car during the stampede. It was then found to be Salman. No intent to murder The District Prosecution Officer (DPO) reviewed the evidence and found no proof of deliberate murder. On 11 September 2024, the DPO recommended removing Sections 302 and 307 and applying Section 304A IPC (causing death by negligence). Following this, SDOP Khajuraho prepared a report, and SP Chhatarpur approved it on 25 September 2024. Names removed from charges Several accused were removed from the FIR for lack of evidence: Charge sheet against 16 accused The final charge sheet names 16 accused under Sections 304A (causing death by negligence), 147, 149, 294, and 506 IPC. Key accused include: