In a disturbing security breach, Balram Dangi, the Congress Member of Legislative Assembly representing the Meham constituency in Rohtak, Haryana, has become the latest target of criminal elements. The lawmaker received a highly threatening extortion message from an international number. The communication, sent via WhatsApp, demanded a staggering amount of money, prompting immediate action from law enforcement authorities. In response to the direct threat to his life, the police department has significantly reinforced security measures outside his residence and initiated an active investigation into the matter.
Demands for Staggering Extortion Amount
According to official sources, Meham MLA Balram Dangi received the alarming message on Friday morning, instructing him to assemble a sum of five crore rupees. The sender gave him a strict deadline of seven days to deliver the cash. The text message read: "Hello, get 5 crore rupees ready. You have one week. So far, bullets have only hit the glass. Next time, the bullet will hit you directly." As soon as Dangi read the life-threatening text, he approached the local police to report the incident. The message was reportedly delivered on Friday morning at 8:37 AM under the name of notorious gangster Sumit alias Saimania, raising serious alarms about the safety of political representatives in the state.
Prior Gunfire Incident at the MLA's Office
This extortion demand follows a violent episode that took place on the night of June 20. At approximately 1:13 AM, two unidentified masked individuals approached Dangi's office in Meham and opened fire. Multiple rounds were shot directly at the building, shattering the glass windows. While no casualties were reported at that time, the attackers left behind a clear message of intimidation. The recent WhatsApp threat references this specific shooting, indicating that the criminals are willing to escalate their actions from property damage to direct physical harm against the lawmaker if their monetary demands are not met.
Political Backlash and Criticism of State Government
The development has triggered a massive political storm in Haryana, with opposition leaders questioning the state's security apparatus. Deepender Hooda, the former Rohtak Member of Parliament and son of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, took to social media to voice his anger. He criticized the current Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, stating that under his administration, the fear of the law has completely disappeared. Hooda pointed out the audacity of the criminals, noting that the shooting occurred directly opposite the local police station in Meham, and has now escalated to a massive extortion demand. He accused the Chief Minister of being preoccupied with political campaigning in Punjab while the residents of Haryana live in constant fear of ransom gangs. Hooda demanded immediate and enhanced security for Balram Dangi and his family, along with swift action to neutralize the threatening gangsters.
Investigation Progress and Arrests
Following the initial shooting on June 20, the Leader of the Opposition, Chaudhary Bhupinder Singh Hooda, had visited the Congress office in Meham to personally assess the damage. He addressed a press conference shortly after, condemning the act of violence and urging the police to take stringent action against the perpetrators. The police investigation led to an armed encounter with one of the suspects, identified as Aman, a resident of Lakhan Majra. Aman was subsequently apprehended and placed under custody. However, the second individual involved in the office shooting remains at large, and police teams are conducting extensive raids to track down the fleeing suspect.
