Khap Showdown Erupts in Haryana Over Police Encounter Arrests
A nighttime encounter in Haryana's Jhajjar district has ignited a fierce khap-versus-khap confrontation. The incident occurred on January 15 and resulted in the arrest of three men. Now, two powerful khap groups are taking opposing stands, creating a volatile situation in the region.
Dueling Demands and Ultimatums
One khap faction is urgently seeking the chief minister's intervention to secure the release of the arrested individuals. The other group is rallying strongly behind the policeman who sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. This clash of interests is escalating community tensions.
A mahapanchayat held in Dighal village recently demanded the immediate release of the three men. Following this, a delegation from the Sarv Khap panchayat traveled to Delhi on Monday. They aimed to press their demand before Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and call for a fair investigation into the entire incident.
The delegation had not yet met the chief minister when reports were filed. Meanwhile, a parallel mobilization gained momentum in Rohtak. The Satgama Khap there accused vested interests of trying to influence the case. They pointed to the political connections of one of the accused as a cause for concern.
The Core of the Controversy
The controversy centers on Pankaj Ahlawat and his two associates. Police maintain that the arrests followed two separate exchanges of gunfire on that January night. According to official accounts, a police team moved to intercept Pankaj after receiving a tip about an illegal firearm.
During the first confrontation, police state that Pankaj opened fire. This action injured Assistant Sub-Inspector Parveen Kumar. A second incident allegedly occurred later. In that exchange, Pankaj sustained a leg injury from police firing before he and the others were taken into custody.
Authorities insist the firing was a direct response to armed resistance. They assert that all due legal procedures were strictly followed during the operation.
Family and Khap Challenge Police Narrative
The family of the accused has forcefully disputed the police version of events. Pankaj's father, Anand Ahlawat, who is also a khap leader, presented a different account. He alleged that his son was intercepted by men not in uniform. These individuals were not traveling in official police vehicles either.
Anand Ahlawat claimed his son was completely unaware they were policemen. The family argues that Pankaj fired a single shot purely in self-defence. They say he later suffered a leg injury during a subsequent police operation in a field. The family describes the entire episode as a fake encounter.
At the Dighal mahapanchayat, khap leaders proposed a compromise. They stated that if the youths were released, they would be produced before the police for investigation whenever required. However, they insisted the inquiry must be fully transparent and impartial. The khap announced it would reconvene after one week to decide its next steps.
Counter-Mobilization and Legal Proceedings
A khap leader indicated that around seventy representatives were in Delhi to meet CM Saini. On the legal front, two First Information Reports have been registered. One is for attempt to murder at the Beri police station. The other is under provisions of the Arms Act at the Jhajjar police station.
Pankaj Ahlawat has been remanded to police custody. His two companions are currently in judicial custody. The situation took another turn during a meeting at Rohtak's Maina village on Monday.
The Satgama Khap came out in strong support of the injured ASI, Parveen Kumar. They issued a three-day ultimatum demanding strict action against the accused. This panchayat presented its own version of events.
They claimed the ASI was on official duty around 9 PM on January 15 when some youths, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, fired at him and caused his injury. They stated police received information through the control room and later chased the accused, who was also shot.
Alleging undue influence and attempts to shield the accused, the Satgama Khap reiterated its demand for stringent action. This direct opposition has created a clear khap standoff.
Heightened Security and Ongoing Debate
In response to the growing protests, police have significantly stepped up security across parts of Jhajjar district. Senior officers are reportedly visiting locations linked to the incidents to monitor the situation.
The case continues to fuel intense public debate. Discussions focus on police action, the adherence to due process, and the mounting pressure from community groups in law-and-order matters. The khap showdown highlights the complex interplay between traditional community authority and modern legal systems in Haryana.
