‘Volley of bullets’: INLD’s Haryana unit chief shot dead in Jhajjar

NEW DELHI: The president of the Haryana unit of the Indian National Lok Dal, Nafe Singh Rathee, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Jhajjar district.
Rathee was in an SUV when the assailants, who were in a car, targeted him in Bahadurgarh town. Rathee who suffered serious injuries was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.
Haryana INLD leader Abhay Chautala said that one of the party workers, who was accompanying Rathi also died. “He (Nafe Singh Rathee) has died. One of our party workers was with him, he has also died,” Chautala said.
The attack, which occurred just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, drew strong reactions from opposition parties. The opposition slammed the government over the incident and alleged a breakdown in law and order in the state ruled by BJP.
According to INLD leader Abhay Chautala, Rathee, and a party worker who was with him, were shot and killed. Additionally, three private gunmen, hired by Rathee for security, were also injured. Chautala stated, “No police security had been given to him. A volley of bullets was sprayed at him.”
Meanwhile, the police said that the investigation is under way and efforts are being made to nab the accused.
Jhajjar SP Arpit Jain said, “We received information regarding an incident of firing. CIA and STF teams are working. The accused will be arrested soon.”
Bhupinder S Hooda, former Haryana chief minister condoled the demise of Rathee and criticised the law and order situation on the state.
Hooda in a post in Hindi on X said, “The news of INLD state president Shri Nafe Singh Rathi being shot dead in Haryana is very sad. This reflects the law and order of the state. This incident made it clear that law and order has become bankrupt. Today no one is feeling safe in the state.”
“My tribute to the departed soul and deep condolences to the family. I pray to God to give strength to the family members to bear this loss. I wish for the speedy recovery of the security personnel injured in the attack,” his post added.