Rohtak firing at Congress MLA's office sparks political blame over law and order in Haryana
Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday alleged that a firing incident at Congress MLA Balram Dangi's office in Rohtak highlights a deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Hooda claimed that organised crime has resurfaced, with an estimated 50–60 gangs now active across Haryana.
According to police, two masked men on a motorcycle fired at least four rounds at Mr. Dangi's office in Meham, Rohtak, in the early hours of Saturday. The gunfire shattered glass doors and windows, but no injuries were reported.
Rohtak police arrested one suspect, identified as Aman of Lakhanmajra, on Sunday after a brief exchange of fire. Officials stated that Aman fired three rounds at officers and was injured in retaliatory firing. A country-made pistol and the motorcycle used in the attack were recovered from his possession.
“Aman was riding the motorcycle during the attack. The second shooter has been identified. Further investigation is under way,” a police official said.
According to investigators, Aman carried out the crime at the behest of a criminal with about 30 cases registered against him, who moved to Thailand in July 2025.
Hooda, who visited the site on Sunday, told reporters that gangsters were operating from jails in Gujarat and from abroad. He drew a comparison to the period before the Congress government came to power in 2005, when criminals ran gangs from prisons.
“After 2005, all gangs and organised crime were eradicated. Not a single gang was active during the Congress government’s tenure, because the administration’s policy was clear: either give up crime or leave Haryana,” he said.
The former chief minister said incidents of firing, extortion, robbery, dacoity, murder and rape had become routine. “Organised crime has escalated to the point where 50 to 60 gangs are active. They not only carry out crimes but also openly claim responsibility. This shows they have no fear of the law,” he added.
Citing the Centre’s Social Progress Index, Hooda claimed that Haryana had been declared the most unsafe state in the country. “From traders and businessmen to employees, officials and politicians, everyone feels unsafe today,” he said.
Hooda demanded immediate special security for Mr. Dangi and his family, describing them as a “symbol of struggle” in the region, and sought strict punishment for the perpetrators.
Police said further investigation is ongoing to apprehend the second suspect.
