Twarit Mahanagar: CCTV image of suspect who shot JNU student leader Umar Khalid released

A CCTV grab of the suspect, who shot Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid, was caught on the CCTV camera installed at Vitthalbhai Patel Road.

He was allegedly shot at by a man at the Constitution Club near Parliament in Delhi on Monday afternoon however, the JNU activist managed to escape unhurt. He was attacked by an unidentified gunman before an event at Constitution Club where he was supposed to speak. The case was transferred to the crime branch and they are now investigating the attack.

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.

According to an eyewitness, who identified himself as Khalid Shafi: "One man in white shirt pushed Khalid down on the ground and fired on him while he was standing at a tea stall outside the Constitution Club. The shot missed him and the gunman fled from the spot leaving behind his pistol as people standing near Khalid rushed towards him."

Khalid was scheduled to speak at an event titled - 'Towards a Freedom Without Fear' organised by United Against Hate Initiative. Later Khalid said, "There is an atmosphere of fear in the country, and  anybody who speaks against the government is threatened."

Many on social media condemned the attack. National Conference working president Omar Abdullah condemned by saying it was due to a ‘relentless hate campaign’ against him in the social and mainstream media.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Member of Parliament Menakshi Lekhi also visited the spot, said, "I think this is for sensationalism, whoever did it, will pay for it. I am sure police will investigate and reach the right sources."