Haryana INLD chief, former MLA Nafe Singh Rathee shot dead
What's the story
Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Haryana chief and former MLA, Nafe Singh Rathee, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Sunday evening in Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar district, Haryana. His SUV was ambushed by the attackers, who came in a Hyundai i10 and fired multiple shots. A worker of the INLD, identified as Jaikishan, and another person traveling with him were also killed in the shooting.
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Rathee and 2 others were killed
Confirming to ANI, Haryana INLD leader Abhay Chautala says, "He (Nafe Singh Rathee) has died. One of our party workers was with him, he has also died." https://t.co/1IFhpfkQeb
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2024
Details on attack
Investigation underway, police teams launch manhunt
Rathee and his associates were traveling in the SUV when the assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene. The injured were taken to the nearby Brahm Shakti Sanjivani Hospital, where Rathee was pronounced dead upon arrival. Two of his aides are said to be in critical condition. Multiple police teams are working to gather evidence and analyze CCTV footage to trace the attackers.
Who are suspects
Possible involvement of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, aide
Initial investigations point to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his close associate Kala Jathedi as the attack's possible masterminds, with a property dispute being the suspected motive. INLD leader Abhay Chautala told PTI the state government failed to provide Rathee with security despite there being a threat to his life. He demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Home Minister Anil Vij.
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Chautala blames lack of security for Rathee's death
Chautala said, "The two-time MLA, who is our state unit chief, was not provided with security. In writing, representations had been made to senior police officers and the state home minister that he was facing threats and should be provided with security."
About Rathee
Won assembly elections from Bahadurgarh twice
Rathee had a distinguished political career, serving twice as a legislator in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, winning from Bahadurgarh in 1996 and 2000. He also ran for Lok Sabha elections from Rohtak constituency and held the position of chairman of the Bahadurgarh Municipal Council twice. Rathee also served as the state president of the Haryana Former Legislators Association.