Bhiwani: A panchayat forced a youth to walk through the streets with his face blackened and a string of shoes around in his neck in Golagarh village of Bhiwani district today for allegedly barging into the house of another resident.

Bhiwani: A panchayat forced a youth to walk through the streets with his face blackened and a string of shoes around in his neck in Golagarh village of Bhiwani district today for allegedly barging into the house of another resident.

The panchayat of former Chief Minister Bansi Lal’s village announced social boycott of the family of the youth and issued a diktat against having links with his family. A note bearing the signature and stamp of the sarpanch gave a detailed description of the ‘punishment’ awarded to the youth.

It stated that the youth was taken through every street amid beating of drums and several villagers followed him. This continued for an hour, after which the youth was allowed to leave. The handwritten note mentioned the names of two persons with their mobile phones.

When contacted, one of them, Krishan Legha, confirmed the incident. He said it was a traditional form of punishment by panchayats for those guilty of violating social norms or committing a crime.

He said the ‘offender’ was not booked after this ‘punishment’. The incident was captured on mobile phones and its video clips and photos were circulated on social media.