What Actions Followed the Murder of Farmer Khet Singh in Jaisalmer?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Khet Singh was murdered in Dangri for intervening against deer hunters.
- Authorities demolished illegal properties of the accused.
- Protests erupted demanding justice and community safety.
- Police took action against demonstrators to restore order.
- Local leaders played a crucial role in mediating between villagers and the administration.
Jaipur, Sep 5 (NationPress) Significant administrative measures were taken in Jaisalmer following the tragic murder of farmer Khet Singh (50) in Dangri village. In the late hours of Thursday, the illegal properties belonging to the three accused were demolished, and fencing obstructing 150 bighas of encroached land was cleared.
On Friday morning, Khet Singh’s remains were returned to Dangri, where his final rites took place under heavy police presence.
The unrest began around 11 A.M. on Thursday, with local residents demanding decisive action regarding the murder.
By 4 P.M., tensions escalated as the crowd advanced towards the village, resulting in chaos. Protesters ignited fences and damaged vehicles, leading to stone-pelting that injured two police personnel, including a female constable.
The police responded with lathicharge and tear gas, resulting in the arrest of 26 individuals. A vehicle was also set ablaze during the unrest, which lasted nearly three hours. Calm was restored after discussions at the Atal Seva Kendra around 10 P.M.
Prominent figures, including former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, MLAs Chhotu Singh Bhati and Mahant Pratap Puri, alongside senior officials, facilitated the negotiations.
The villagers insisted on the demolition of all illegal structures, the release of arrested protesters, and financial support, along with a job offer for one family member of Khet Singh.
The authorities agreed to these terms, leading to the conclusion of the dharna.
Consequently, actions were undertaken against the suspects—five shops owned by Ladu Khan, Jamal Khan, and Khete Khan were dismantled, and fencing on 150 bighas of illegally occupied land was removed.
On the night of September 2, Khet Singh was attacked with sharp weapons while resting in his fields. He succumbed to his injuries on September 3 at a hospital in Barmer.
Locals allege that his murder was a consequence of his efforts to prevent hunters from pursuing deer in the vicinity.
In the aftermath of the murder, villagers set fire to a tyre-tube shop owned by the accused's family, escalating tensions in Dangri. A significant police presence remains in the village to uphold order.