21 more held over clash between BJP MLA's family and contractor

Jaisalmer: A violent confrontation between BJP MLA Chotu Singh Bhati's family and royalty contractor Shaitan Singh has led to multiple arrests and cross-complaints, highlighting tensions over mining royalty rates in the region.

The conflict, which erupted on April 3 at Kahla Phante, has resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals connected to the contractor's side, following allegations of attempted murder filed by the MLA's son, Bhawani Singh.

According to Superintendent of Police Sudhir Chaudhary, 21 additional arrests were made Sunday night, with all accused being remanded to judicial custody.

In a counter-complaint, the contractor's brother, Vikram Singh, filed an FIR with Jodhpur Police Range's Vikas Kumar against MLA's brother Nakhat Singh, son Bhawani Singh, nephew Girdhar Singh and approximately 90 others. The charges include attempted murder, robbery and destruction of property.

The root of the conflict appears to stem from a dispute over mining royalty rates. M/s Durga Timber secured a two-year contract worth Rs 5 crore for royalty collection in Jaisalmer's mining department. Local contractors allege that the new contractor unilaterally imposed maximum royalty rates without consultation, charging Rs 40 per ton and Rs 3,000-3,500 per vehicle, compared to the previous rate of Rs 900.

Nakhat Singh, patron of the contractors' association, claims that trucks were unfairly detained despite being underloaded. Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities treating the matter as a serious incident requiring thorough investigation.