The tragic incident unfolded on Sunday evening in Jhajjar district, where Nafe Singh Rathee, the esteemed chief of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana, fell victim to a fatal attack by unidentified perpetrators. Reports indicate that Rathee was travelling in his SUV when assailants, travelling in another vehicle, launched a brazen assault on him in Jhajjar's Bahadurgarh town. The assailants targeted Rathee's vehicle, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that claimed his life. Additionally, sources suggest that another prominent party figure succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack.
Confirming the grim development, INLD leader Abhay Chautala corroborated Rathee's demise in Jhajjar district. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Bhupinder Singh Hooda vehemently denouncing the assault while castigating the state government for its perceived failure to uphold law and order.
Nafe Singh Rathee, a stalwart figure in Haryana's political arena, held various significant roles throughout his illustrious career. Serving as a former MLA from Bahadurgarh and assuming leadership as the INLD chief for two terms, Rathee's contributions to the state's political landscape were noteworthy. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of President of the ex-MLA Association of Haryana.
Despite his pivotal role in state politics, Rathee had been grappling with threats to his safety in recent times, as reported by an INLD official. Criticism has been levied against the Haryana government for purportedly neglecting Rathee's security concerns, prompting calls for the resignation of top officials.
Hailing from Jatwada Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, Nafe Singh Rathee emerged as a prominent Jat leader, wielding considerable influence in the region's political circles. His legislative journey commenced in 1996 when he secured a seat in the Haryana Legislative Assembly under the Samata Party's banner. Subsequently, in 2000, Rathee clinched victory once again, this time representing the INLD.
Furthermore, Rathee's tenure saw him assume the mantle of Chairman of the Bahadurgarh Municipal Council for two consecutive terms, further solidifying his stature in local governance. However, his political career was marred by legal entanglements, including charges of cheating, breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
In a significant turn of events, the Haryana Police initiated legal action against Rathee and five others in connection with the alleged suicide of local BJP leader Jagdish Numberdar in January 2023, adding a layer of complexity to Rathee's political legacy.
