The death of a woman Congress worker, whose body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase near the Sampla Bus Stand along the Rohtak-Delhi highway, has resulted in a massive political controversy. The shocking incident took place on the very day municipal elections were underway in the state.
The deceased has been identified as Himani Narwal, a Youth Congress office-bearer from Rohtak — a political stronghold of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Hooda expressed deep shock and grief. “The news of the barbaric murder of active Congress worker Himani Narwal in Rohtak is extremely sad and shocking. I pay my tribute to the departed soul and express my deepest condolences to the family members. The murder of a girl in this manner and finding her body in a suitcase is extremely sad and shocking. This in itself is a blot on the law and order situation of the state,” Hooda posted on X.
Himani’s body was found stuffed in a large blue suitcase near Sampla Bus Stand on Saturday. Police at Sampla station were immediately alerted. Preliminary findings showed a scarf tied around her neck and mehendi on her hands, suggesting she may have been dressed for an event.
Who was Himani Narwal?
Originally from Kathura village in Sonepat, Himani Narwal was an active Congress worker known for her involvement in political and cultural events. According to a Hindustan Times report, she worked closely with Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda and was a familiar face at party rallies, often performing alongside Haryanvi folk artists.
On her social media, Himani identified herself as the vice president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) in Rohtak Rural. Former Youth Congress president Srinivas BV also paid tribute, noting that Himani consistently excelled in her responsibilities, whether during the Bharat Jodo Yatra or other organisational events.
She had also walked with Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and actively campaigned for Congress during the Haryana Assembly elections, said Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra.
Victim’s mother alleges political conspiracy within Congress
In a startling revelation, Himani’s mother, Savita Narwal, alleged that her daughter’s murder could have links to internal party politics. According to a report in India Today, Himani’s mother claimed that some Congress members may have felt threatened by Himani’s growing political influence.
“My daughter sacrificed a lot for Congress and party members used to visit our home. Some people in the party might be involved in the murder, as they may have felt threatened by Himani’s rising political career,” Savita alleged.
Savita recalled her last conversation with Himani on February 27, a day before the young leader was supposed to attend a rally by Bhupinder Hooda. The next day, her phone was found switched off, raising concerns at home.
“Himani has been associated with the Congress for last 10 years. She travelled with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to Srinagar during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. She wanted to do clean politics, but some people wanted to trap her in a web of problems,” Savita said.
The grieving mother also revealed that her daughter frequently spoke about internal challenges within the party and even had disputes with senior Congress leaders. “If someone told her that she would have to compromise on something, my daughter would say, ‘I will not compromise. What is wrong is wrong, and what is right is right’,” the mother said.
During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Himani reportedly faced issues over room-sharing arrangements. She avoided eating onion and garlic and preferred staying alone, which led to some friction with fellow party members.
Savita further alleged that no senior Congress leader had reached out to the family following Himani’s death. “I met Asha Hooda, and Hooda Saheb knows us, but no Congress leader has spoken to us yet,” she said, demanding the harshest punishment, including the death penalty, for her daughter’s killers.