Haryana INLD Leader Nafe Singh Rathee Shot Dead in Bahadurgarh

Nafe Singh Rathee, the Haryana unit president of the Indian National Lok Dal, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Bahadurgarh, Haryana. The attack, which occurred weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties.

Chandigarh, February 25: In a shocking turn of events, Nafe Singh Rathee, the president of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Haryana unit, and a party worker lost their lives in a brazen attack on Sunday. The incident occurred in Bahadurgarh, a town near Delhi, when unidentified assailants mercilessly sprayed bullets at their SUV, leaving the victims with fatal injuries.

Political Fallout and Reactions

The attack, coming just weeks before the crucial Lok Sabha elections, has triggered strong reactions from opposition parties. They have vehemently criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Haryana.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar responded swiftly, vowing that no culprit involved in this heinous crime will escape justice. He has instructed the police to apprehend the accused promptly and take the strictest possible action against them.

Expressing shock and grief, Chief Minister Khattar took to social media to offer his condolences to the bereaved families. He assured them of support during this difficult time.

Home Minister Anil Vij also weighed in on the matter, stating that he had spoken to officials and ordered immediate action. He revealed that the Special Task Force (STF) is actively investigating the case, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice soon.

INLD's Grievances and Demands

INLD leader Abhay Chautala provided further details about the incident. He confirmed that Rathee and a party worker named Jai Kishan were mercilessly gunned down. Tragically, three private gunmen hired by Rathee for security also sustained injuries in the attack.

Chautala highlighted the fact that Rathee had not been provided with police security despite facing threats to his life. He demanded a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incident.

Chautala also accused the government of failing to maintain law and order in Haryana, citing this incident as yet another proof of the deteriorating situation.

Police Investigation Underway

Jhajjar Superintendent of Police Arpit Jain informed reporters that multiple teams from the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and the STF are diligently investigating the incident.

Jain assured that all angles are being explored, and the police are committed to apprehending the accused as soon as possible.

Opposition Parties' Criticism

The opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the chorus of criticism against the Manohar Lal Khattar government.

AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the BJP has wreaked havoc on law and order in Haryana. He expressed condolences to Rathee's family and supporters and accused the government of deploying the police force to stop protesting farmers instead of nabbing criminals.

Senior Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Kumari Selja expressed deep grief over Rathee's killing and condemned the state of law and order in Haryana.

They alleged that anarchy prevails in the state, with criminals running rampant and the government failing to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Previous Controversy

In January last year, the Haryana Police had registered an FIR against six individuals, including Rathee, in connection with the suicide of Jagdish, the son of former minister Mange Ram.

Jagdish's family had accused certain individuals of harassing him over a property-related matter, leading to immense stress. Abhay Chautala had alleged that the FIR was politically motivated.

The tragic assassination of Nafe Singh Rathee has sent shockwaves across Haryana, sparking outrage and demands for justice. As the police investigation unfolds, the incident has ignited a political storm, with opposition parties holding the ruling government accountable for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.