Jalandhar, March 10 -- The district administration on Monday announced Rs.5 lakh as compensation for the kin of sarpanch Mahinder Singh, who succumbed to his injuries on March 7 a week after being attacked allegedly by drug peddlers.

The sarpanch of Bute Diyan Chhana village in Jalandhar was attacked with sharp-edged weapons and iron rods on February 28 after he opposed the activities of local drug peddlers in the village and nearby areas. The three-time sarpanch sustained a skull fracture and severe leg injuries. He had been under treatment at a private hospital since then. He died on March 7 following which his family refused to cremate the body and began a protest outside the Mehatpur police station. The protest ended on Monday.

Mang...