New Delhi: The murder of AAP leader Rachna Yadav in Delhi’s upscale Shalimar Bagh area has sent shockwaves across the capital, triggering a fierce political confrontation over the state of law and order.
Rachna Yadav, an active local leader and resident of the area, was shot dead near her home when bike-borne assailants opened indiscriminate fire. One of the bullets struck her in the head, killing her on the spot. The attackers fled the scene with ease, highlighting what opposition leaders describe as a complete breakdown of policing in the national capital.
Investigators say the killing does not appear to be a random crime. The case has taken a serious turn as Yadav was the key witness in the 2023 murder of her husband, Vijender Yadav, who was also shot dead. The family has alleged that the prime accused in that case, Bharat Yadav, currently lodged in jail, had been issuing repeated threats to Rachna Yadav.
According to her daughters, the family had approached the police multiple times seeking protection, warning that her life was in danger. However, they allege their pleas were not taken seriously.
Following the murder, the Aam Aadmi Party launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor, holding them responsible for what it called a collapse of law and order in Delhi. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a post on X, said Delhi has become increasingly unsafe and that even a murder in the Chief Minister’s own constituency reflects the BJP government’s failure. He termed the incident “deeply shocking and unacceptable” and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj also raised serious questions, stating that if murders are taking place barely 400 metres from the Chief Minister’s residence, the safety of ordinary citizens stands gravely compromised. He described the situation as a consequence of what he called a “four-engine BJP government” failing on public safety.
Delhi Police have formed 12 special teams to investigate the case and are scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify and track the shooters. While the probe is underway, the killing has once again reignited concerns over witness protection, raising uncomfortable questions about whether the murder could have been prevented had earlier threats been acted upon.
