A angry with Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly not taking action against those involved in irregularities in distribution of CNG stickers, a man hurled shoe at Delhi Chief Minister on Saturday during a Press conference at the Media Centre, Players’ Building for the upcoming even-odd scheme to keep air pollution and traffic congestion under control in the national Capital.
The man, who hurled a shoe and a CD at Kejrwial, has claimed to be from Aam Aadmi Sena, a breakaway group of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, the shoe did not hit the AAP chief.
The attacker, identified as Ved Prakash, was detained by police for questioning. According to police officials, during questioning Prakash told police that he was disturbed by the AAP’s fake promises and corrupt activities being done in the wake of odd and even policy. He further talked about alleged irregularities in distribution of CNG stickers and claimed that no action has been taken though a complaint was filed by him with the Chief Minister.
“Arvind ji one minute please, I have conducted a sting on CNG sticker scam. One CNG sticker is being distributed for Rs1,000. Why are you doing thisIJ Why don’t you take action against thisIJ” Sharma said before throwing a CD and shoe at Kejriwal.
Some AAP volunteers and police personnel immediately rushed towards him. Party volunteers thrashed Prakash and, thereafter, police personnel took him out of the Media Centre of Delhi Secretariat. According to Prakash, he has conducted a sting operation on alleged irregularities in distribution of CNG sticker at a CNG station near CGO complex in lodhi Road. He alleged that a CNG sticker is being sold for Rs1,000 and there was a major scam. As per the odd-even rule, CNG-run cars are exempted from road-rationing plan, but they should have a sticker issued by IGl.
A senior Government official said police should have checked identity cards of journalists attending the CM’s Press conference. The official said the Government will only allow journalists having Delhi Information and Publicity (DIP) card to attend the Delhi Chief Minister’s Press conference.
The Government said it is “shameful and dangerous” that a person claiming to be journalist could use a Press conference to target the CM. The attacker, who is about 26-27 years of age, shouted as he was being whisked away. Reportedly, he was also hit by several AAP supporters who nabbed him soon he hurled a shoe at the CM.
“Some people tried to attack Prakash while others tried to pull him out of the conference room holding his hair but the security guards present inside the conference hall safely escorted him out of the place,” said a police officer who later took the attacker to another room of the Player’s building and started questioning him.
Kejriwal, who was present at Delhi Secretariat held a conference regarding the roll-out of the second phase of the Odd-Even scheme, scheduled to take place from Aril 15. After, Prakash was whisked away, out from the room, Kejriwal continued with the Press conference.