Sisodia hits out at Delhi Police over lapses, says more attacks possible
‘NOTHING NEW’ Dy CM asks if anyone was arrested by the police in the previous cases of violence against Kejriwal
NEWDELHI: Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday blamed the Delhi Police for the repeated lapses in the security of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who, earlier in the day, was attacked with chilli powder outside his Secretariat office.
Sisodia questioned if anyone was arrested in the previous cases of violence against Kejriwal. He said that instead, the police have been unjustly targeting AAP ministers and MLAS.
Sisodia added that the attacks have become so common that someone could even throw acid or an explosive at the CM and other AAP MLAS. Police in the national capital are controlled by the Centre through the Lieutenant-governor.
The AAP called the incident “yet another conspiracy” ahead of the election season.
The Delhi government came down heavily on the police for initially stating that the accused did not intend to injure the CM. Ho ever, later, in a CCTV clip released by the government, the man can be seen suddenly stretching his hand to touch Kejriwal’s face immediately after touching his feet.
The government questioned how the police could allow a man to enter a high security zone with a packet of chilli powder and matchbox.
“The security of the Secretariat is the responsibility of the Delhi Police. It is surprising how a man was allowed to stand outside the CM’S office on the third floor where even reporters are not allowed.” Sisodia said at a press conference. He said that the general administration department (GAD) has been directed to
conduct an inquiry at its level.
In February, environment minister Imran Hussain and former AAP member Ashish Khetan were allegedly manhandled by unidentified persons in the same building.
“Until now, at least four attacks have happened on the CM alone. Has any arrest been made in those cases? Has any kingpin been held? Any charge sheet filed?” the deputy CM said.
Delhi Police said that Sharma’s entry into the secretariat was facilitated by the secretariat staff that issued him a visitor’s pass at 12.41 pm.
“It was not as if Sharma barged into the secretariat. The CM’S security reacted promptly to thwart the attack and detain Sharma,” said Madhur Verma, Delhi Police spokesperson.
Another officer said that there was no way the chilli powder could have been prevented from being smuggled inside.
“It was concealed in a gutkha packet. It could well be a food item and we wouldn’t be able to stop it from being taken inside,” said the officer.