The murder of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, the national president of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena, a right-wing Rajput organization, has shocked and outraged the people of Rajasthan. Gogamedi was shot dead by two unidentified bike-borne assailants in Jaipur on December 5. He was declared dead by doctors at the hospital where he was rushed to. The motive behind the murder is still unclear, but it has triggered a political storm in the state, which is undergoing a transition of power after the recent assembly elections.
The Rajput community outfits, supporting Gogamedi, have called for a bandh in Jaipur today to protest against the killing. They have also demanded a judicial probe into the murder, and have threatened to launch a statewide shutdown if no action is taken. They have accused the outgoing Congress government, led by Ashok Gehlot, of failing to provide adequate security to Gogamedi, who had allegedly received death threats in the past. The BJP, which has won the elections and is set to form the next government, has also alleged that Gogamedi’s request for police protection was denied by the Gehlot regime.
The outgoing CM Gehlot has condemned the murder and has assured that the police will nab the culprits soon. He has also appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony, and not to fall prey to any rumours or provocations. However, his words have not satisfied the Rajput community, nor the BJP, which has blamed the Gehlot government for not ensuring proper law and order in the state. The Congress and the BJP have engaged in a blame game, with the Congress questioning the BJP’s rule in the past, and the BJP criticizing the Congress for the deteriorating situation in the present.
The brutal murder of Gogamedi poses a serious threat not only to law and order but also to the democratic ethos and societal harmony in Rajasthan. The shocking incident, where a prominent community leader fell victim to unidentified assailants in broad daylight, highlights profound concerns regarding the overall security and well-being of citizens, particularly those actively engaged in state affairs. This tragic event also underscores the susceptibility of the Rajput community, known for its active involvement in movements like the protests against the film Padmaavat and the advocacy for reservation, exposing vulnerabilities that need urgent attention.
The departing Chief Minister, Gehlot, and the incoming CM from the BJP party, both bear a moral and constitutional obligation to ensure justice for Gogamedi’s family and instil public trust in the law enforcement system. They must refrain from allowing the murder to be manipulated into a political tool or a source of communal division. Collaborating with the incoming BJP government and the central administration, Gehlot should actively facilitate a swift investigation and prosecution process. Additionally, measures must be taken to avert any potential violence or disturbances within the state, fostering communal harmony and societal tranquillity. Gehlot and the incoming CM must safeguard his legacy and Rajasthan’s image by preventing the stain of Gogamedi’s murder from lingering on either.