A dramatic turn of events has gripped the Nathdwara municipality in Rajsamand district as the civic body elections draw closer, triggered by the sudden disappearance of a local BJP councillor. Pradeep Kabra, who represents ward number four, went missing under mysterious circumstances, setting off a wave of anxiety and political turmoil in the region.
Son Alleges Kidnapping and Demands Action
Dharmendra Kabra, the son of the missing councillor, has accused unknown individuals of abducting his father. According to his statements, Pradeep Kabra was travelling from Jodhpur to Nathdwara to file his nomination papers for the post of municipal chairperson when he lost all contact mid-journey. The family has formally approached the Superintendent of Police office to lodge a complaint and seek immediate intervention. Enraged by the disappearance, Dharmendra warned of escalating the agitation and even threatened self-immolation if his father is not traced swiftly, significantly heightening local tensions.
Protests Erupt Outside the Sub-Divisional Office
News of the disappearance quickly drew a large crowd of relatives, BJP workers, and family members of other party candidates to the Nathdwara sub-divisional office. Protesters raised slogans demanding the immediate return of the missing councillor. The agitation saw the participation of families from roughly five other Nathdwara councillors, who insisted that everyone who accompanied Kabra should be brought back safely.
Elected Representatives Intervene
In response to the mounting protests, Rajsamand MP Mahima Kumari Mewar and the local MLA arrived at the protest site to dialogue with the aggrieved family members and attempt to broker peace. They held telephonic discussions with BJP state president Madan Rathore regarding the crisis. Meanwhile, the Nathdwara MLA stirred further discussion by remarking publicly that the ticket for the chairperson post had not been allotted according to his preference, bringing internal party dynamics into sharp focus.
Tragedy Strikes Amid Growing Unrest
The escalating tension took a tragic turn when the father-in-law of ward number 15 councillor Hina Purohit suffered a fatal heart attack. Locals and family members claimed he was deeply stressed over the unfolding crisis. Following his death, a large crowd gathered outside the Nathdwara hospital, expressing intense anger. The grieving relatives declared that they would not accept the body until the missing councillors were safely accounted for.
With municipal elections and chairperson nominations just around the corner, the unfolding crisis has left the local political landscape deeply fractured. While police investigations continue, the immediate focus remains on locating Pradeep Kabra and restoring order to the tense municipality.
