Jaipur: Rajasthan is witnessing massive protests by the members of Karni Sena, a Rajput caste organization, over the murder of its national president Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, who was shot dead by two assailants at his residence in Jaipur on Tuesday. The protesters have blocked roads, burnt tires, and clashed with the police in several parts of the state, demanding justice for Gogamedi and his associate Naveen Singh Shekhawat, who was also killed in the attack. The police have resorted to mild lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the agitators, who have also called for a statewide bandh.
According to the police, the attackers have been identified as Rohit Godara, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang from Haryana, and Goldie Brar, a criminal from Rajasthan. The police have launched a search operation to nab them and have announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh each for anyone providing information about their whereabouts. The police have also claimed that Shekhawat, who had gone to Gogamedi’s house with the attackers, was involved in the conspiracy to kill the Karni Sena chief. The motive behind the murder is not clear yet, but it is suspected to be related to some old rivalry or personal enmity.
Gogamedi was the leader of Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena, one of the three factions of Karni Sena, which claims to represent the interests of the Rajput community. He was known for his controversial and violent protests against films like Padmaavat and Jodhaa Akbar, which he alleged distorted the history and culture of the Rajputs. He was also vocal about the issues of reservation, farmer suicides, and cow protection. He had a large following among the Rajput youth and was considered a potential political force in the state.
The murder of Gogamedi has sparked outrage among the Rajput community and the Karni Sena supporters, who have accused the Congress-led state government of failing to provide adequate security to the Rajput leader. They have also alleged that the police are trying to cover up the case and shield the real culprits. They have demanded a CBI inquiry into the murder and the resignation of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The Governor of Rajasthan, Kalraj Mishra, has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the phone regarding the situation in the state and has directed the police to take strict action against the criminals.
