In a shocking incident in Panchkula’s Barwala block, Ravi Sharma, the sarpanch of Dhandardu village, was assaulted for his role in sealing liquor vend. The Sarpanch attacked incedend has raised concerns about the safety and authority of local leaders enforcing community decisions.
Background of the Incident
Ravi Sharma reported to the police that a liquor vend was established in 2023 on the fields of a resident named Shubkaran. This year, however, the village panchayat unanimously decided against reopening the liquor vend. Despite the panchayat’s resolution, the excise department went ahead and opened the vend. After persistent written communication from the panchayat, the department finally sealed the unit. As a result, Shubkaran’s family lost their rental income from the vend.
Details of the incident when was Sarpanch Attacked
Ravi Sharma Sarpanch attacked On July 31, When Ravi Sharma and other panchayat members were preparing for the inauguration of the village chaupal and roads. Around 3:30 pm, Shubkaran’s son Anil, accompanied by his accomplices Chaman and Sachin, arrived on motorcycles. The men confronted Sharma, verbally abused him, and Chaman picked up a stone and struck him on the head. Villagers intervened, causing the assailants to flee, but not before issuing further threats. Later, they stopped Sharma again while he was on his way home, warning him against filing a police complaint.
Sealing Liqour Vend, Legal Action and Community Response
Following Sharma’s report, the police booked Anil, Chaman, and Sachin under Sections 115(2), 351(2), and 126 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Chandimandir police station. This swift legal action underscores the seriousness of the offense and the commitment to ensuring justice for the victim.
Haryana Assembly Speaker and Panchkula MLA Gian Chand Gupta took immediate cognizance of the attack. On Thursday, he directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to promptly arrest those involved in the assault, demonstrating the government’s support for local leaders and their authority.
Community Impact and Reactions
The assault on Ravi Sharma has sent shockwaves through the Dhandardu village community. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between local governance and external influences such as the excise department. The unanimous decision of the panchayat to prevent the reopening of the liquor vend was based on community welfare, reflecting a collective desire to maintain social order and reduce alcohol-related issues in the village.
Local residents have expressed their outrage and concern over the attack. They see it as not just an assault on an individual but an affront to the entire village’s autonomy and decision-making process. The villagers’ prompt intervention during the attack shows their solidarity and support for Sharma, underscoring the strong community bonds that hold Dhandardu together.
Ensuring Future Safety and Governance
The incident calls for a reassessment of the enforcement of panchayat decisions and the protection of local leaders who act in the community’s best interests. It raises questions about the coordination between different government departments and the respect for local governance structures. There is a need for clearer guidelines and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that panchayat decisions are upheld without interference.
Moreover, the support from Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta signifies the importance of backing local leaders in their efforts to maintain community welfare. His directive to the DCP for the immediate arrest of the culprits is a positive step towards ensuring that such incidents are dealt with promptly and justly.
The attack on Ravi Sharma for sealing a liquor vend as per the panchayat's unanimous decision is a stark reminder of the challenges local leaders face. It highlights the need for robust protection mechanisms and the importance of respecting community decisions. As the legal process unfolds, the community of Dhandardu and its leaders stand united, resilient in their pursuit of justice and community welfare.
