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.