Panchayat diktat: 2 villagers interrogated, mob attacks cops

Two persons were picked up for questioning in connection with the controversial diktat of a panchayat in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district where villagers attacked policemen, demanding the duo's release.

Police yesterday questioned Mokim and Mujahid, residents of Asara village, in connection with the diktat.

"Protesting the police action, a mob gathered in front of the Asara sugar mill demanding the duo's release. They beat up two policemen, who had gone there to clear the traffic jam, and torched their motorcycle," IG (law and order) BP Singh said here today.

A case has been registered in this matter, he said.

In bizarre diktats, love marriages have been banned and women below the age of 40 years barred from going out for shopping and using mobile phones outside their homes by the panchayat in Asara village in Ramala area.

The panchayat also ruled that when women leave their homes, their heads must be covered.

The diktats were issued during a meeting of the panchayat held on Wednesday, police said.