In Dutkaiya village, Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, a mob vandalised and set fire to more than six houses owned by a minority community on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Seven policemen were injured while protecting over two dozen people, including women and children, from hundreds of rioters over several hours. The violent clash began after three men, including Arif Khan—who had recently returned on bail in a 2024 temple desecration case—allegedly assaulted locals early Sunday morning. Arif Khan and two accomplices attacked four men, sparking tensions. Police registered four cases against them and promised an arrest. A small mob initially vandalised Khan's house. Police intervened and advised calm. However, a larger mob soon gathered, armed with sticks, bricks, stones, and kerosene bottles, trying to break into homes of 10 Muslim families. Vehicles were set ablaze, and police faced a manpower shortage due to the Rajim Kumbh festival. Officers guarded the homes for hours, repelling stone-pelting and break-in attempts until reinforcements arrived by night. The police rescued 20 residents trapped inside, including six children stuck inside a madrasa. Two adults were injured. Despite control by midnight, violence flared again when a woman from the mob threw a brick at a policeman, causing severe head injury. Six policemen suffered serious injuries overall. Police registered two FIRs relating to the riots. As of Monday, all Muslim families fled the village. Several houses and vehicles remained charred. Police continue to maintain a large presence, promising action to restore peace.