ASSEMBLY POLL 2024: Rising crime graph a concern, figures prominently during canvassing in Haryana

The rising crime graph in the state has taken the shape of a crucial issue in the Assembly elections when it comes to the safety of women and traders.

The law and order has not only become part of poll-related discussions but candidates of different parties in the fray are also promising the electors that they would provide them a safe atmosphere.

“Security always comes first and business second for every trader, hence deteriorating law and order situation is one of the prominent issues in this election as Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar) has witnessed a spurt in the cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion in the past some months. The broad daylight murder of two-time former MLA and INLD state president Nafe Singh Rathee is the live example of it,” said Narendra Chhikara, senior vice-president, Footwear Park Association, Bahadurgarh.

Chhikara claimed many local traders had got extortion calls in the recent past and some of them shifted to other places due to lack of security while some others did not report such incidents. “Ensuring the safety of the traders as well as other sections of society is the responsibility of the state government, hence we demand every party to take steps to wipe out criminals and gangs on coming to power so as to create a safe atmosphere,” he added.

Naveen who runs a furniture shop in Narnaul city says a sense of insecurity grips all trader fraternity across the state if any sort of crime takes place with any trader. It had happened many times in the past few months, he added.

“Recently, some miscreants opened fire on a sweets shop owner at Manak Chowk in Narnaul. The incident led to panic among all shopkeepers here. The rising crime is a cause for concern, so the trader fraternity will definitely keep this issue in mind while electing the government,” he added.

Anil Kumar, an ex-serviceman, said gangs were mushrooming in every colony in Mahendragarh district but no concrete preventive action was being taken to stop the youth from committing crime.

“The state government had taken a tough stance against criminals after a trader and JJP leader was shot dead in Hansi (Hisar) in broad daylight but the steps taken died down after some days. There is an urgent need to eliminate gangsters like it was done when the Congress came to power under the leadership of Bhupinder Hooda in 2005,” he said. Parveen Kumar, a shopkeeper, in Rewari said travelling in late hours had become risky even in urban areas but surprisingly, public safety was not in the agenda of the state government.

“We cannot send our female family members alone outside the city due to an unsafe atmosphere, so the issue is not only being discussed by the electors but also flagged by candidates during their canvassing prominently,” he added.

Kamlesh, an employee in Rewari, said working women were the worst affected by the rising crime rate. “Women have to take every safety precaution while going to the workplace and returning home. The situation is getting worse with every passing day as women feel unsafe while moving outside,” she added.