'Law And Order Situation In Tatters': Congress, AAP Slam Khattar Govt After INLD's Haryana Chief Shot Dead

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the incident reflects the law and order of Haryana and added that no one is feeling safe in the state.

Indian National Lok Dal's Haryana unit president Nafe Singh Rathee and a party worker were killed after unidentified assailants fired gunshots at their SUV in Bahadurgarh near Delhi on Sunday.  The death of the INLD leader, ahead of Lok Sabha Elections, drew sharp reactions from across political quarters.

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said he has asked officials to take immediate action in this matter. 

"I have asked the officials to take immediate action in this matter. STF has also swung into action...The incident is being investigated," the Haryana Home Minister said.

Haryana INLD leader Abhay Chautala said Rathee and a party worker accompanying him were shot dead. "Nafe Singh Rathee has died. One of our party workers was with him, he has also died," Chautala said.

The opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party also hit out at the Manohar Lal Khattar government over the incident. 

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the incident reflects the law and order of Haryana and added that no one is feeling safe in the state.

"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," Hooda said.

AAP Haryana President Sushil Gupta said the law and order has ended in Haryana and added that "no one is safe in the state."

"We have received info from Jhajjar. The Haryana INLD president Nafe Singh and his associates have been shot dead. No one is safe in this state safe. Businessmen are shot and then extorted, politicians are shot dead on roads... Will the state uphold the rule of law, or the CM will continue to be busy with election rallies?" Sushil Gupta said.

Congress leader Deepender S Hooda told PTI, “This is very painful and unfortunate news; everyone is saddened by this. I pray to God to give strength to his family in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace. His killing also shows that the law-and-order situation in the state is in tatters."

INLD Secretary General, Abhay S. Chautala blamed the Manoharlal Khattar for the incident and said, "The state government bears direct responsibility for today's tragic incident in which Nafe Singh Rathee was shot fatally. Six months ago, Rathee was informed by the police that his life was in danger. I spoke with the Jhajjar SP to reinforce his plea for security measures and also informed the Home Minister, urging for immediate action. However, despite these efforts, no security arrangements were made."

On the other hand, Haryana BJP spokesperson Jawahar Yadav stressed that a police investigation is underway as he slammed 'politicisation' of the incident. He told ANI, "...The police are doing their work. We understand the seriousness of it. CIA and STF have already begun their investigation...Strict action will be taken against the accused...Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal doesn't refrain from doing politics during such situations. I am not aware of any demand for security for him (Nafe Singh Rathee)."

Meanwhile, Jhajjar Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpit Jain informed that two Deputy superintendent of police (DSP)-rank officers are involved in the investigation. "The accused will be traced as soon as possible...Currently, we are aware of four attackers. If there are others involved, they will be arrested soon...The process to register an FIR is underway," he told ANI.

Rathee, a former MLA from Bahadurgarh and aged around 70, was travelling in an SUV when the assailants, who were in a car, attacked him in the town in Jhajjar district.