Members of farmer unions and khap panchayats on Friday blocked toll plazas at several locations across Haryana, demanding the immediate arrest of the prime accused in the murder of dairy operative Jeevan Kundu.Kundu, a resident of Surya Nagar in Hisar, was allegedly attacked with sticks and rods by a group of men on August 4 following a minor dispute. He later succumbed to injuries in hospital. His family and supporters have refused to perform his last rites, demanding the arrest of all those involved.Farmer leader Suresh Koth said protests were held at 27 toll plazas across the State, with blockades at 17 locations and nine toll plazas allowing vehicles to pass free for three hours. A sit-in protest was also held at a toll plaza in Yamunanagar.However, Hisar Superintendent of Police Siddhant Jain disputed the figures, saying protests were reported at only five toll plazas in three districts -- three in Hisar and one each in Jind and Hansi.Mr. Koth alleged that police were delaying the arrest of prime accused Ramesh Pandit due to his alleged links with a BJP MLA and political pressure. Protesters and local leaders have also accused the police of inaction, alleging that an earlier complaint regarding threats to Kundu had been ignored.The protesters have called for opposition to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Independence Day programme in Hansi on August 15. “Mr. Saini is not performing his duty as the head of the State. We have given a call to oppose his programme,” Mr. Koth said.The police, however, rejected allegations of political interference. Mr. Jain said seven accused had already been arrested and a Look-Out Circular had been issued against the remaining.He said ten police teams were conducting raids across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan and Punjab to arrest the remaining accused. A reward of ₹50,000 has also been announced for information leading to their arrest.Meanwhile, four police personnel have been deployed to provide round-the-clock security to Kundu’s family, Mr. Jain said. Published - August 15, 2026 12:32 am IST