1 dead in clash over K’shetra Waqf land

Kurukshetra, April 16

One person was killed and seven grievously injured in a clash at Kharindwa village on Monday over a piece of land belonging to the Haryana Waqf Board. Several rounds were fired by a group of people at the site used as a burial ground.

While Mangat Din succumbed to bullet injuries, seven persons were rushed to PGI and 35 treated at Shahabad, SP Abhishek Garg said. 

An injured Khurshid Ali, 60, said they were attacked by a mob allegedly led by Jasmer Singh Chahal, comprising youth from outside Kharindwa. “They arrived in tractor-trailers and cars with guns, sticks and farm implements. Chahal and family members opened fire to grab the land,” he said. 

Police spokesperson Naresh Kumar said Chahal and 18 others had been booked on charges of murder and attempt to murder.

Claiming retaliation in self-defence, Mehboob Khan said: “As the old cemetery had scant space, we were able to get land possession with panchayat help.” SDM SS Kundu said the land dispute was pending before the High Court. “In official records, it is not marked as a burial site. The Chahals have had possession for more than 50 years.” — TNS