The Tribune, August 3, 1997

Tribune News Service KARNAL, Aug.2 - The murder of Mrs. Madhu Sharma and her ten year-old son Munna by armed intruders yesterday was condemned by all opposition leaders here today.

The HPCC chief Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, MP, alongwith Mr. Chiranji Lal, Mrs. Parsanni Devi, Mr. Jai Singh Rana, MLA, and Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, DCC President, visited the house of Dr. G. D. Sharma to convey their sympathies.

Later talking to TNS, Mr. Hooda alleged that the law and order machinery seemed to have broken down in Haryana. Mr. Hooda also talked to the Deputy Commissioner, Karnal, Mr. Rajiv Arora, and held out an agitation threat if the culprits were not arrested within a week. Mr. Hooda also directed the DCC President to make preparations for launching a struggle against the deteriorating law and order situation in Karnal. Mr. Kuldeep Sharma in his earnestness told TNS that the DCC would hold a dharna and stage demonstrations if culprits were not arrested.

Mr. Shashi Pal Mehta, Industries Minister, Haryana, while condemning the killings said that he would take up the matter with the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bansi Lal and the Home Minister, Mr. Mani Ram Godara. Mr. Mehta spent four hours in the cremation ground in the heavy down-pour. Mr. Mehta also broke down a few times while talking about the murder to TNS.

Mr. I. D. Swami, MP, was all in tears while talking about the incident.

Others who visited the house of Dr. Sharma included Mr. Tajindar Pal Man, Mr. Tara Singh, former speaker of the Haryana Assembly, Mr. Jai Prakash Gupta, Mr. Bhim Mehta, MLA, Mr. Guljar Singh, Mr. M. S. Lathar, Chairman of the Haryana S.J.P. Parliamentary Board and scores of political and social leaders.

Among those who attended the funeral of Mrs. Sharma and her son was the District Magistrate, Mr. Rajiv Arora.