A dispute allegedly linked to illegal sand mining turned bloody in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district, leaving three persons, including a BJP leader, dead, the police said on Thursday.The incident took place at Naugai village under the Sonhat police station limits late on Wednesday night.The victims were travelling in two vehicles, including an SUV, when they were allegedly attacked by members of a rival group, a police official said.Preliminary investigation suggested that the attackers repeatedly rammed the SUV with a light tipper truck, damaging it and jamming its doors. Reports suggested that trucks were parked in front of and behind the SUV to prevent it from escaping. Later, the SUV was set on fire, the police said.One person died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries later.The deceased were identified as BJP leader and former Janpad Panchayat president Bharat Singh, alias Lalla Singh, Virendra Singh and Nagendra Singh.The police said the main accused has been identified as Manoj Tripathi. He, along with several others, allegedly attacked the victims and torched their SUV.After receiving information about the incident, police teams rushed to the spot.”We have registered a case at the Sonhat police station on the charges of murder, arson and other relevant sections,” Surguja Range Inspector General of Police Deepak Jha said.The officer said nine suspects besides several unidentified persons have been booked in the case. Four people have been arrested so far, while efforts are on to nab the remaining accused.”There was a dispute between the two sides, and the exact reason behind it is being investigated. An altercation had also taken place on Wednesday afternoon or evening, for which a complaint was registered. This incident occurred around 10 pm,” Jha said.The police have stepped up security arrangements at Naugai village and Baikunthpur town to prevent any untoward incident.”We have appealed to everyone, including public representatives, to maintain peace. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in the crime,” the IG added.