Kotli village in mourning

Gurminder Singh Grewal

Kotli (Khanna), May 29

A pall of gloom descended on the Payal area when the news of the death of Harkirat Singh (40), grandson of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, reached here.

Harkirat, who was the sarpanch of Kotli village, was former Transport Minister Tej Parkash Singh’s son and Congress’ Khanna MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli’s younger brother. Harkirat was also the cousin of Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Residents said though Harkirat had been facing health issues, he was still running the affairs of the panchayat smoothly. Taj Mohammed, an area resident, said Harkirat had suffered a head injury in an accident about eight months ago.

He said Harkirat’s memory was affected by the accident but he was often seen in high spirits.

He said Harkirat loved trees and had planted a large number of them in the village.

Although Harkirat resided in Chandigarh, he often visited Kotli to look after agriculture and village common works. Harkirat was fond of sports and used to organise a tournament in the village every year. About two months ago, he had organised a tractor competition in the village.

He is survived by his wife. A number of Congress leaders, including Dr Shakeel Ahmad, AICC general secretary, senior party leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and district Congress chief Lakhvir Singh Lakha have expressed grief over his death and expressed condolences with the family.