Day after Rajput leader’s assassination, protests bring Rajasthan to a standstill

JAIPUR: Rajasthan came to a standstill on Wednesday as a mark of protest against the murder of Sukhdev Gogamedi, the national president of the Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena. Demanding swift and stringent action against the assailants, demonstrations erupted at various locations across the state, including Jaipur. Highways were blocked, trains halted in Bhilwara and markets remained shuttered in Kota city, where Karni Sena supporters actively participated in protests, even gathering at the collectorate. Police maintained a high alert, appointing executive magistrates to ensure law and order.

Amidst the tension following Gogamedi’s murder, the impact of the Rajasthan bandh was evident in all districts, with schools and markets remaining closed. Bharatpur, Bundi, and Sirohi also witnessed widespread demonstrations at the district headquarters, collectorate and main intersections.

Governor Kalraj Mishra convened a meeting with top officials to express concern over the murder and issue directives for necessary action. Emphasizing continuous vigilance, the Governor urged the police and administration to remain alert, warning against any negligence. He stressed the need for robust arrangements to maintain peace and security, closely monitoring organized crimes and ensuring prompt action against any criminal incidents.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Usha Sharma reported that the situation was under constant monitoring at the district collector level, with three companies deployed at the central government level. Post-mortem and FIR registration had been carried out, and efforts were underway to apprehend the culprits, as stated by Director General of Police Umesh Mishra and Home Secretary Anand Kumar.

Police named Rohit Rathore and Nitin Fauji as the shooters who escaped after carrying out the murder. Photos of both assailants were circulated as the search intensified. Fauji, an army soldier from Haryana, had links with gangster Sampat Nehra of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, raising suspicions of a conspiracy in the murder.

Fauji, identified as a resident of Daungada Jat in Mahendragarh, Haryana, had joined the army four to five years ago. Rajasthan Police conducted raids in Haryana and expanded the search to Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

Gogamedi, who had received threats for the past three years, sought police security in April but did not receive it. After depositing licensed weapons due to the code of conduct, he increased his personal security. The police team, which raided Haryana, revealed that inputs about the murder had been received 10 months ago from the Punjab police, indicating Sampat Nehra’s involvement.