Congress worker's murder: One accused held; victim's mother demands capital punishment for killer
Chandigarh (PTI): Haryana Police on Monday said they have arrested one accused in connection with the murder of Congress worker Himani Narwal.
Narwal's body was found stuffed in a suitcase in Rohtak on Saturday after which the police set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the murder.
"We have arrested one accused and further investigations are on," a Haryana Police official said.
However, the police have not divulged the name of the accused.
The family of Narwal on Sunday refused to cremate her body until the killers were arrested with her mother Savita demanding capital punishment for the accused.
"I want capital punishment for killers of my daughter," Savita told PTI Videos in Rohtak.
When asked if the family knows the suspect nabbed in the case, Savita said, "I have heard his name, but don't know him face to face. During party meetings, many used to meet her (Himani) and me too. Party workers, her friends many used to meet... My daughter was associated with the party for ten years."
Haryana Congress leaders had described Narwal as an active and dedicated party worker, who also took part in the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra earlier. They said she was pursuing a law degree.
Narwal's mother had alleged on Sunday that some leaders in her party envied her swift rise in the party.
"It could be anyone in the party who was jealous about her rise or it could be anyone else," Savita, who was accompanied by her son Jatin, had said.
"Last time, I talked to her on February 27. She had said she would be busy with a party programme the next day, but later her phone was found switched off. Till the time my daughter does not get justice, we won't cremate her," she had said.
Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday said he spoke to Rohtak's superintendent of police on the murder case, adding police and the government should ensure speedy justice for the victim's family.
Congress leader and party MLA from Rohtak B B Batra had said Narwal was a "very good and active" worker and used to participate in various programmes of the party.
"Those who have committed the crime should be severely punished," Batra said.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
