Tension prevailed at Saniana village in Bhuna area of Fatehabad district on Friday after the body of a 35-year-old plumber was found in a village pond. The victim’s family alleged he was murdered and accused the police of failing to act despite being informed on the night of the incident.

The deceased, Vipin Kumar, had gone missing after an alleged assault at his house on the night of July 8. His body was found on Friday morning.

Angry family members and villagers took the body to Bhuna police station and staged a protest, alleging police inaction. The protest ended after police assured them that a case had been registered and the accused would be arrested. The body was later sent to Fatehabad Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination.

In their complaint, Vipin’s mother Kamla Devi and wife Reena alleged that Bunty, his son, Praveen alias Midharam, Mappi, Sanjay, Rajesh Valmiki and 10 unidentified persons had arrived at their house armed with sticks and a ‘gandasi’ and assaulted Vipin. They claimed Vipin fled the house to save himself.

The family further alleged that the police had reached the spot during the incident but failed to take effective action even as the accused allegedly issued death threats. They claimed Vipin was killed and his body was dumped in the pond.

The police have registered a case against six named and 10 unidentified persons under Sections 190, 191(2) and 108 of the BNS. Officials said further action would be taken based on the post-mortem examination report and other evidence.