The president of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana, Nafe Singh Rathee, along with his associate, was gunned down in Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar district, on Sunday. The incident, which occurred while Rathee was traveling in an SUV, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state.
The Indian Express quoted INLD spokesperson Rakesh Sihag who confirmed the incident and said Rathee succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack by unidentified assailants. Alongside Rathee, Jai Kishan, a resident of Jhajjar’s Mandothi village, also lost his life in the assault. Additionally, three private security personnel accompanying Rathee sustained gunshot wounds and are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Sources at the hospital reported that while Rathee and Kishan could not survive the injuries, the security personnel are receiving treatment for bullet wounds to various parts of their bodies. The severity of the incident prompted swift action from law enforcement, with Jhajjar SP Dr. Arpit Jain stating that the CIA and STF teams are actively investigating the case, vowing to bring the culprits to justice.
Senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala questioned the government’s failure to provide adequate security despite Rathee’s earlier pleas for protection. Chautala emphasized that Rathee had sought security measures from various government officials, including the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, indicating a lack of response.
A two-time MLA from Bahadurgarh, Rathee had reportedly expressed concerns about his safety to state authorities prior to the attack. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed deep sorrow over Rathee’s demise, attributing it to a breakdown in law and order in the state.
In January 2023, the Haryana Police had filed an FIR against Rathee and five others in connection with the alleged suicide of a local BJP leader. INLD leaders, however, argue that this FIR is part of a broader political conspiracy.
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