Maharashtra: Virar village’s Khap Panchayat dissolved

It was Diwali in the true sense for nearly 3,500 villagers of Chikhal Dongri in Virar West after the announcement recently of the end to the terrorising Khap Panchayat. Not only has the traditional practice been ended, but the Khap Panchayat has also started returning fines illegally collected from villagers.

Chikhal Dongri, situated around 75 km from Mumbai, hit headlines after some villagers fined by the Khap Panchayat raised their voices. Following a series of reports in mid-day and other local language newspapers, the state administration and police swung into action, holding a series of meetings to resolve the long-pending issue in the terrorised village.

According to local villager Avinash Koshti, Tehsildar and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suhas Bawache, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rajendra Mokashi conducted several meetings with villagers. They explained how the decisions taken by the Khap Panchayat members were not in accordance with the Constitution.

Villagers attending the meeting conducted by police officials. File pic/Hanif Patel

Convinced by the explanation, the panchayat members announced an end to the Khap Panchayat tradition and committed to returning the fines collected from the villagers.

Elaborating on how they convinced villagers to end the traditional practice, Koshti said, "In the meeting, we explained how the tradition is wrong and could lead villagers into trouble for not following the Indian Constitution. Villagers were convinced, and accordingly, the decision to end the traditional practices was made."
Devendra Raut, a 40-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, shared with mid-day that according to village tradition, the proclamation was made by playing drums. "Traditional drum beaters were engaged to inform villagers about the decision to end the Khap Panchayat," Raut said.

Also read: Virar's Chikhal Dongri residents say: A chowkie will curb the Khap

In October, the panchayat members fined Raut R50,000, of which he managed to pay R40,000. However, in November, the decision to end the Khap Panchayat and return the collected fine was made. "The fine collected from me was returned in cash. I have received the entire Rs 40,000. My brother-in-law was also fined, and his money has been returned," Raut added.

Khaps are caste or community organisations in villages that sometimes function as quasi-judicial bodies, pronouncing illogical punishments based on old traditions.

Ranjan Patil, former corporator of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, stated that he received instructions from MLAs Hitendra Thakur and Kshitij Thakur to personally look into the issue and resolve it amicably. "After hearing out people from both camps patiently, we organised a meeting, and the issue was amicably resolved," Patil added.

Patil further mentioned that those who levied fines have apologised for their actions, and Umesh Vaity and Darshan Meher, who had left the village, have returned. "Vaity and Meher were back in the village on Wednesday and even engaged in dialogue with those who had penalised them. I am personally monitoring the entire issue," Patil said.

DCP Suhas Bawache said, "We handled this case differently, treating it not merely as a crime case but as a social issue. Through dialogue with villagers, a permanent solution was found, and the entire issue is settled now."

Regarding the cases that have been filed, Bawache added, "Police will follow due legal process. If the complainant wishes to withdraw the case, it needs to be done before the honourable court, not at the police station level."

Umesh Vaity, after returning to his village in Virar and speaking to mid-day, said, "I am back as all the issues are sorted." He mentioned feeling no fear anymore. "I have boarded the train as I am travelling out of town," Vaity added.