ROHTAK, July 31 -- Three employees of the Haryana irrigation department and a farmer reportedly sustained injuries after a late-night clash over alleged canal water theft in Kharakda village near Hansi.

The irrigation officials alleged they were attacked while removing an illegal water diversion pipe, and the farmers accused the department staff of assaulting them and damaging their irrigation system.

According to the irrigation department, officials received information around 11 pm on Wednesday that water was being illegally diverted from a canal through unauthorised pipelines. Acting on the information, a department team reached the spot, where canal guard Sachin used a crowbar to remove one of the alleged illegal pipes.

Department ...