Demanding the arrest of all culprits in connection with the murder of dairy operator Jeevan Kundu, farmer leaders and representatives of several khap panchayats protested at several toll plazas for nearly three hours on Friday, demanding the arrest of the main accused who remains at large.
Following the call given by a mahapanchayat, protesters gathered at the toll plazas in Landhari, Chaudharywas, Agroha, Hansi (Ramayan), Bass, Makrauli and Chandi and held a protest from 11am to 2pm. The protesters parked tractor-trailers at the toll gates leading to a blockade.
Amid heavy police deployment the protesters took control of the toll plazas but emergency vehicles and ambulances were allowed through. However, the police had made arrangements to divert the traffic on the alternative routes
Hisar DSP Kishori Sharma said local alternative routes were opened to ease the disruption. The protesters lifted the blockade after 2 pm. The murder that triggered the agitation took place on August 4, when Jeevan Kundu was allegedly beaten to death with sticks and rods. Police have so far arrested seven suspects involved in the murder. However, the main accused, Ramesh Sharma, continues to evade arrest. A reward of ₹50,000 has been announced for information leading to his capture, and a lookout circular has been issued to prevent him from leaving the country. SP Siddhant Jain confirmed that ten police teams are conducting continuous raids.
Dharna committee member Suresh Koth alleged that Ramesh Sharma has political links and is receiving political protection, which has allowed him to remain outside the police net.
{{/usCountry}}Dharna committee member Suresh Koth alleged that Ramesh Sharma has political links and is receiving political protection, which has allowed him to remain outside the police net.
{{/usCountry}}Farmer organisations have now raised the stakes further. They announced that if the main accused is not arrested soon, they will reach Hansi early on the morning of August 15 to stage a protest against chief minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Independence Day programme. “We will be there by 6 am and will oppose the CM’s event,” the organisations declared.