Odd-even event: Ink attack on Arvind Kejriwal sparks war of words, AAP hits out at BJP, Delhi Police

In a shocking incident, a woman threw ink on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi’s Chhatrasal stadium on Sunday .

A 27-year-old woman threw ink on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while he was delivering a speech at Chhatrasal Stadium Sunday, thanking civil defence volunteers and officials for “making the odd-even traffic policy successful”. The woman, identified as Bhawna Arora, is a member of the Punjab division of Aam Aadmi Sena. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was not present at the function, said the incident should not be taken lightly.

Sisodia said lax security by police was the reason for the incident. “BJP is trying to kill Arvind Kejriwal. We are against VIP security but the cabinet needs to be protected. It’s a dangerous incident. One woman comes and throws ink and there is not a single policeman there to take care of security… ? If someone comes and throws acid on the cabinet or plants a bomb, who will take responsibility? There was no checking done at the programme,” he said. Sisodia said the success of the odd-even programme had not gone down well with the BJP. “There is no other reason why there was no security. The woman is speaking to TV channels and the police are yet to take her into custody,” he added.

When asked whether the CM should be given more protection, Sisodia said, “Our security is in god’s hand. But the Centre should take action if this kind of thing happens. Aam Aadmi Sena is always against AAP.” Meanwhile, BJP Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay said his party does not approve of the incident.

“We feel the incident reflects the growing frustration among people towards the Kejriwal regime. Today’s incident could be a case of an activist’s frustration or staged by Kejriwal to play his usual victim card.” Responding to Sisodia’s allegations, Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.

“The allegations regarding lax security are misconceived and unfounded. Appropriate law and order arrangements were made for the function by the Delhi Police as per the practice for the CM’s functions. Arrangements included one company of armed police and personnel from the local police force. As far as personal security of the CM is concerned, adequate cover was provided, including escort, pilot and PSOs. A team performed anti-sabotage check before the function.

The apprehension expressed by the deputy CM regarding conspiracy will be looked into.” A case under sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the IPC has been registered at Model Town police station, said police.