Panchayat diktat for boycott of murder accused’s kin

In Fatehabad’s Haroli village, the brutal killing of a four-year-old boy has prompted the local panchayat to announce a social boycott of the accused minor’s family. The village elders decided that no one would have any contact with the family to show strong disapproval of the crime.

The panchayat met on Monday at the village gurdwara with key community members, including the former sarpanch, Vikramjeet Singh Brar. During the meeting, they addressed two major concerns: rising violence and drug abuse in the village. To combat these issues, the panchayat announced the formation of a special committee dedicated to curbing drug activity and maintaining peace in the community. The committee made it clear that any resident caught selling drugs would be handed over to the police and no panchayat member would assist with bail.

The committee also plans to launch a youth guidance programme to help steer young people away from drugs and gangs, a move that has been widely supported by the village’s various communities. This proactive approach aims to protect the next generation from harmful influences and ensure a safer future for the village.

The tragic incident occurred on Diwali evening when a four-year-old boy, while playing in a village alley, was allegedly kidnapped, abused, and murdered. The police have arrested the accused minor, who is the boy’s neighbour and placed him in the Ambala Juvenile Home.

The village’s decisions reflect a strong stand against crime and substance abuse, with the hope of preventing future tragedies and creating a safer environment for all residents.