Haryana INLD chief Nafe Singh Rathi killed in SUV ambush

PTC News Desk: Nafe Singh Rathi, the president of Haryana's Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and former MLA, was fatally shot this evening in an ambush on the SUV he was travelling in, in Jhajjar district. Alongside Rathi, two others travelling with him died, while two are critically injured. The attackers, arriving in a car, opened fire on Rathi and his associates inside the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

The injured were swiftly taken to the nearby Brahm Shakti Sanjivani hospital, but Rathi was pronounced dead upon arrival. Rakesh Sihag, head of the INLD's media cell, confirmed Rathi's death.

Rathi, who served as an MLA from Bahadurgarh, was well-known in the state's political circles. In response to the attack, the state police have heightened security measures and deployed multiple teams to gather evidence at the crime scene. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the attackers' route.

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Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Kala Jathedi are suspected of orchestrating the attack, believed to stem from a property dispute. Rathi, a seasoned politician, had a significant political career, serving twice in the Haryana Legislative Assembly and leading the Haryana Former Legislators Association. He had also contested Lok Sabha elections from the Rohtak constituency and remained active in political affairs.

Nafe Singh Rathi boasts a significant political career, having held various leadership roles. He served two terms as a legislator in the Haryana Legislative Assembly and notably led as the state president of the Haryana Former Legislators Association. Additionally, Rathi contested Lok Sabha elections from the Rohtak constituency, demonstrating his active involvement in political activities.

Moreover, Rathi's leadership extended to local governance as he served two tenures as the Chairman of the Bahadurgarh Municipal Council, contributing to community development at a grassroots level.

However, his name became embroiled in controversy when Jagdish Rathi, the son of former Haryana minister Mange Ram Rathi, died by suicide. Following the tragedy, allegations of abetment were directed towards Nafe Singh Rathi, along with his nephew Sonu. Subsequently, a case was filed against them, accusing them of harassment in connection with the suicide. Despite the legal challenges, Rathi secured anticipatory bail from the High Court on January 24, 2023.

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(Inputs from agencies)