BJP MLA Jitendra Shunty attacked in Delhi, case registered

In a sensational incident, Jitendra Shunty, a sitting BJP MLA from Shahdara, was attacked by two men in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area on Wednesday morning. The MLA, however, survived the attack.

New Delhi: In a sensational incident, Jitendra Singh Shunty, a sitting BJP MLA from Shahdara, was attacked by two unidentified men in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area on Wednesday morning. The MLA, however, escaped unhurt.

According to reports, at around 6 am this morning two-three men on a bike came to his residence to get some forms attested. Two of them got into an altercation with the BJP MLA and fired four shots at him.

The whole incident was also caught on camera, which revealed one of the two unidentified men firing shots at the Delhi BJP MLA.

The BJP leader later narrated the whole sequence of event to the media and informed the police.

Shunty told reporters that a proper recce must have been done before he was fired at because the attackers knew that he would be alone early in the morning and that would be the best time to attack him.

"Somebody rang the bell 10-12 times. When I went out, I saw that there was a man standing there, wearing a helmet and holding some papers. The person wanted me to attest something. I took the papers from him and told him I'll go inside and get it attested," Shunty said.

"As soon as I tried to leave, he held my collar and took out the gun. He dragged me for some time and started firing. I ran and fought back. My own door got locked. The bullet hit the door when he tried to hit me. Then I went to the other door but he fired again," the BJP MLA added.

Shunty also explained that his collar was in the attacker's hand but he fought back because when he saw the gun, he realized that he will have to fight back or else he would be killed.

Shunty's wife, Manjeet Kaur also told reporters, "My husband fought with him. God was with him. I request the police and media to please get him arrested as soon as possible."

Shunty added that local residents of his area have direct access to him since he is the sitting MLA. Shunty also said that he could not identify the assailants as one of them was wearing a helmet.

Delhi Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and formally begun investigation. The police is also likely to examine the CCTV footage of the incident and record the version of Shunty and his family members.

“We have registered the case, investigation is going on,” Pushpendra Singh, DCP East told media.

Political parties have strongly condemned the attack on the BJP MLA and demanded a thorough investigation into the case.

Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay and his colleague Nalin Kohli strongly condemned the attack on Shunty. Speaking to ANI, Upadhyay said, "I think such an incident should never take place. I had a meeting with the Police Commissioner recently and even then many of our MLAs had raised questions about their security."

BJP leader Nalin Kohli also termed the attack worrisome, saying, "It is extremely worrisome and totally condemnable. One would expect that the police immediately investigates to ascertain the reason behind the attack, whether it is borne out of some political rivalry or some criminal activity, that is targeting our MLAs and elected representatives."

Condemning the incident, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) general secretary Tariq Anwar said that the police needed to undertake a strict investigation in the case. Anwar told ANI, "It is certainly sad if any political leader or any other general person is attacked. Strict investigation needs to take place by the police and administration."

"If people are not safe in Delhi, which is the capital of India, then where will they be?" he added.