Haryana Panchayat Leaders Suspended After Physical Altercation Over Fund Allocation
In a significant development from Rohtak, Haryana, the Zila Parishad has taken strict disciplinary action against two of its members following a physical altercation during a council session. Vice-president Anil Hooda and councillor Dheeraj Malik have been officially barred from attending the next meeting of the council. This decision stems from an incident on March 12, where their conduct was classified as "gross misconduct" under the provisions of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
Incident Details and Immediate Consequences
The altercation erupted during the March 12 meeting when councillor Dheeraj Malik, representing Ward 8, raised serious concerns regarding the allocation of development funds. Malik alleged that funds originally designated for Ward 13 were being inappropriately diverted to Ward 4. He demanded an immediate halt to this practice, insisting that the funds should be utilized for development works in Ward 13 as intended.
In response, the council agreed to resolve the issue through a vote. However, tensions quickly escalated into a physical confrontation between Malik and Ward-4 councillor Anil Hooda. The disruption was so severe that it led to the deferral of a key agenda item concerning administrative approval for development work proposals under the ZPDP plan for 2025–26.
As a direct result of their actions, both Hooda and Malik have been marked absent for the March 12 meeting. The council cited their use of unparliamentary language and engagement in "unconstitutional" conduct as primary reasons for this disciplinary measure. This action has been formally recorded in the official minutes of the meeting, underscoring its gravity.
Aftermath and Security Measures
The situation took a more violent turn the following day when a group of unidentified individuals forcibly entered Anil Hooda's office at Vikas Sadan and assaulted him. A video of this attack, which quickly went viral on social media, depicted the assailants beating Hooda and pushing him to the ground before fleeing the scene.
In response to this incident, the police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by the office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zila Parishad. Sub-Inspector Bijendra, the Station House Officer at Arya Nagar police station, confirmed that an investigation is currently ongoing, though the attackers remain unidentified.
To enhance security and prevent further incidents, the Zila Parishad has deployed a police control room vehicle at Vikas Sadan, where the council office is located. Manju Hooda, the Chairperson of the Zila Parishad, emphasized that this measure aims to maintain surveillance and ensure the safety of all council members and staff.
Official Statements and Broader Implications
Chairperson Manju Hooda publicly confirmed the suspension of both Anil Hooda and Dheeraj Malik from the next council meeting. She reiterated the council's commitment to maintaining decorum, stating that no one is permitted to use unparliamentary language or engage in unruly behavior during meetings. This stance highlights the council's efforts to uphold procedural integrity and prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The incident raises broader questions about governance and fund management at the local level in Haryana. Key points include:
- The critical role of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act in enforcing disciplinary measures.
- Challenges in transparent allocation of development funds across wards.
- The impact of such altercations on administrative processes and public trust.
- Security concerns for elected officials in the wake of violent attacks.
As the investigation into the assault continues and the council prepares for its next session, this case serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that can arise in local governance over resource distribution. The disciplinary actions taken reflect a firm stance against misconduct, aiming to restore order and focus on developmental priorities in Rohtak.
