Rohtak ZP chief, husband booked for abducting boy

Rohtak Zila Parishad chairperson Manju Hooda, her husband Rajesh alias Sarkari, and several unknown individuals have been booked in connection with the alleged kidnapping of the 15-year-old son of Zila Parishad member Neelam Khatri. The incident happened in Ismaila village today morning, and the boy was released by the kidnappers at a dhaba on the Delhi-Rohtak national highway nearly three hours later.

An FIR has been registered under Sections 140 (abduction), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act, based on a complaint from Neelam’s niece, according to district police spokesman Sunny Laura.

Neelam Khatri reported receiving a call from her son during his abduction, during which a kidnapper threatened her, saying, “If you do not return home, they will kill your son.” Neelam’s husband, Advocate Jagbir Khatri, alleged that the kidnapping was orchestrated to intimidate his wife into withdrawing support for a no-confidence motion against Manju Hooda, which is scheduled for discussion in an upcoming meeting. Jagbir claimed that Rajesh alias Sarkari was present in the vehicle used for the abduction.

Meanwhile, Manju Hooda denied any involvement, asserting that the claims are an attempt to damage her reputation. The local panchayat convened a meeting today to address the situation, deciding to boycott Rajesh alias Sarkari and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to law enforcement agencies to apprehend the kidnappers. Should the police fail to take action, the panchayat has threatened to initiate a large-scale protest, which could involve blocking the national highway and railway tracks.

Meanwhile, Rohtak Deputy Commissioner has appointed Naib Tehsildar Ankit Kumar as Duty Magistrate to maintain order during the proceedings.