NEW DELHI: A joint operation by the Jhajjar Police, Delhi Police Special Cell, and Haryana Special Task Force (STF) has led to the arrest of two suspected shooters, Saurav and Ashish, in Goa in connection with the murder of Nafe Singh Rathee, the Indian National Lok Dal’s (INLD) Haryana unit chief, and party worker Jai Kishan. The duo is believed to be associated with the Kapil Sangwan gang.
Rathee and Kishan were fatally shot on February 25 in Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar district, when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle. The assailants spared the life of Rathee’s nephew, the driver, instructing him to inform the family.
Senior Delhi Police official stated, “Ashish, Saurabh, Nakul, and Atul were the four who opened fire on Rathee and Kishan’s vehicle on February 25.” Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining two shooters, Atul and Nakul Sangwan, connected to the case.
ALSO READ: House collapse claims four lives in Jammu’s Reasi
The arrested individuals were found in North Goa, staying in a hotel. They are expected to be transported to the national capital soon. The swift joint operation was a result of collaboration between Haryana Police, Delhi Police, and the STF.
Jhajjar Superintendent of Police Arpit Jain highlighted the progress, stating, “Our teams were conducting raids at various places in different states to nab them.” The car used in the crime was traced outside Rewari Railway Station, leading investigators to the identification of the car owner. Further inquiries are underway to determine how the vehicle reached the shooters, with samples lifted for forensic investigation.
The incident sent shockwaves through Haryana, with political parties condemning the act. Opposition parties criticised the ruling BJP government, attributing the incident to a failure in maintaining law and order. Senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala accused the BJP-JJP government of neglecting the security threat against Rathee.
ALSO READ: Haryana government limits ministers’ assembly responses to 50 words
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij announced on Monday that the investigation into Rathee’s killing would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Reflecting on the tragic event, the Haryana Home Minister stated, “The investigation into the killing of Rathee will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.”
The arrests provide a crucial breakthrough in the pursuit of justice for the heinous crime, shedding light on the network of individuals involved in the assassination. As the investigation progresses, the role of the identified shooters and their potential connections will be subjected to thorough scrutiny under the CBI’s purview.