Family Protests on NH-44 After Teen Succumbs to Injuries
On Wednesday, family members of 16-year-old Shekhar, who died from injuries sustained in an assault nearly two months ago, staged a protest under the flyover on NH-44 in front of the Mini Secretariat in Panipat. They placed the deceased's body on the highway, demanding the arrest of all individuals involved in the murder.
According to police, Shekhar, a Class IX student from Badoli village, was assaulted on April 22. He succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday evening at PGIMS, Rohtak, where he had been on a ventilator for two months due to a severe head injury.
Details of the Assault and Family's Allegations
The victim's father, Rameshwar, alleged that the attack stemmed from a dispute over parking his auto-rickshaw. His elder brother, Krishan Lal, objected to the vehicle being parked outside their house. On April 22, Rameshwar and Shekhar were returning home when Krishan Lal, along with family members Ajay, Vijay, Bimla, and Lokesha, stopped them. Krishan Lal allegedly abused them, and the group assaulted Shekhar with an interlocking tile and lathis, causing a critical head injury.
Shekhar was the only son in the family. He remained on a ventilator for two months before dying.
Police Response and Arrests
Following the protest, a heavy police force was deployed. DSP City Rajbir Singh and SP Bhupender Singh arrived to pacify the family. Initially, only two accused had been arrested under attempt to murder charges. On Wednesday, two more were arrested, bringing the total to four. SP Bhupender Singh stated that murder charges would be added, and the investigation was transferred to the CIA-1 team.
The family alleged that the investigating officer misbehaved with them; the officer has been sent to the police lines. The protest ended after SP assured action, but the family briefly protested again near the CIA police station at Toll Plaza before returning to their village.
Ongoing Investigation
SP Bhupender Singh confirmed that a probe is underway. The family demands the arrest of the fifth accused, who remains at large. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, highlighting the need for swift justice.
