Umar Khalid seeks police protection after attack

New Delhi (India), India, August 13 (ANI): Hours after he was attacked by an unidentified gunman outside Constitution Club, Jawaharlal Nehru University student activist Umar Khalid has asked Delhi Police to provide him protection.

Khalid was supposed to attend an event at Delhi's Constitution Club, situated nearly one kilometer away from the Parliament.

“I was attacked right before my program was scheduled to start at the Constitution Club. I was having tea opposite the venue when a man attacked me from behind. He pushed me to the ground and aimed his gun at me. I somehow pushed him away, after which a gunshot was fired, but I escaped. I have received threats in the past too, but this was the first time there was an assassination attempt. I have sought police protection now,” Khalid told ANI after recording his statement with the police.

"Gauri Lankesh, Govind Pansare, and Narendra Dabholkar have been assassinated, and today, even I could have been killed. But you can only kill people, not their ideologies," he added.

Joint Commissioner of Police Ajay Choudhary said, "Umar Khalid, along with some others, was drinking tea outside the Constitution Club when someone attacked from behind. Police are investigating the case, FIR will be registered soon and all legal action would be taken. One weapon has been recovered from the spot, we are investigating that. We are also talking to the eyewitnesses. This matter will be investigated strictly. He is now safe."

Furthermore, Delhi Police DCP Madhur Verma said the investigation in the matter is underway.  

“Umar Khalid said that he was attacked. Somebody pounced on him and pushed, thereafter he tried to fire at Khalid, but couldn't. According to Khalid, the attacker fired in the air and was chased by people," he added.

The Police has also accessed a CCTV footage of the incident and will examine the same in the process of investigation.

A case has also been registered by the police against unknown persons under Section 307 of the Arms Act. Police says it has clues and the culprit will be arrested soon.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Member of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi also visited the spot, said and implied that the attack could be for sensationalism.

The Constitution Club of India is situated in the heart of Delhi, facing offices of several ministries and media houses. Coming just two days before the Independence Day celebrations, when the security is on high alert, the attack has left a trail of doubts.

Khalid was scheduled to attend an event titled - 'Towards a Freedom Without Fear' organised by United Against Hate Initiative.

According to an eyewitness, who identified himself as Khalid Shafi, "Khalid was standing at a tea stall when one man wearing white shirt pushed him down and fired at him. The shot missed him and the gunman fled the spot leaving his pistol behind." (ANI)