Shooting at Congress MLA office shows collapse of law and order in Haryana, says Hooda

Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda visited Rohtak MLA Balram Dangi’s office on Sunday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday (June 21, 2026) described the shooting at the Rohtak office of Congress MLA Balram Dangi as “clear proof of Haryana’s crumbling law and order”, warning that organized crime has re-emerged, with 50-60 gangs now active across the state.

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Two masked men on a motorcycle fired at least four shots at Mr. Dangi’s office at Meham in Rohtak on Saturday (June 20, 2026), breaking glass doors and windows. No injuries were reported.

The Rohtak police on Sunday (June 21, 2026) arrested one of the accused, Aman from Lakhanmajra, after a brief encounter. The official said Mr. Aman fired three rounds at the officers and was injured in the retaliatory fire. A country-made pistol and a motorcycle used in the Saturday (June 20, 2026) attack have been recovered.

“Aman was riding a motorcycle during the attack. The second gunman has been identified. Further investigation is underway,” the official added.

According to the police, Aman committed the crime at the behest of a criminal who has about 30 cases registered against him and who moved to Thailand in July 2025.

On Sunday (June 21, 2026), Mr. Hooda visited the firing site. Talking to reporters there, he said that the gangsters were operating from jails in Gujarat and from abroad.

“A similar atmosphere existed before the Congress government came to power in 2005, when criminals ran gangs from jails. After 2005, all gangs and organized crime were eradicated. Not a single gang was active during the tenure of the Congress government because the policy of the administration was clear: either give up crime or leave Haryana,” he said.

Mr. Hooda said incidents of shooting, extortion, robbery, theft, murder and rape have become routine. “Organized crime has escalated to the point where there are 50 to 60 gangs active. Not only are they committing crimes, they are also openly claiming responsibility. This shows that they are not afraid of the law,” he said.

Citing the Centre’s Social Progress Index, Mr. Hooda said Haryana has been declared the most dangerous state in the country. “From traders and businessmen to employees, officials and politicians, everyone feels insecure today,” he added.

Mr Hooda demanded immediate special protection for Mr Dangi and his family, describing them as a “symbol of the struggle” in the region and demanding severe punishment for the culprits.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 23:18 IST