Delhi:
It is a shocker for Delhi just two weeks before the Commonwealth Games. Two unidentified men, who came on their bikes, shot at two Taiwanese tourists who work for a television channel in Taiwan and were in India for a shoot.
Breaking the Sunday morning calm, the incident shocked the Government as well as the police as it took place in the heart of the capital, at Jama Masjid's gate number 3.
(Watch: Firing outside Jama Masjid)The two injured, Zeseweiu Ku and Chiang Kh, were immediately rushed to the Lok Nayak Jaiprakash (LNJP) Hospital, where Home Minister Chidambaram visited to check on them. They are said to be in stable condition now.
(Watch: Chidambaram visits the injured)According to the eyewitnesses, at 11.30 am, a golden green bus pulled outside the gate number 3 of Jama Masjid. The Taiwanese tourists were barely out for thirty seconds when a black motorcycle stopped by the bus and fired 7 to 8 rounds aiming at the bus. In the firing the two tourists were injured in the stomach and head. The motorcyclists then fled the scene.
Police have been unable to identify the motorcyclists so far. However, a .38 caliber pistol has been recovered from the site of the shooting.
"We have a picket nearby, the constable on duty tried to run after them, but they were successful in fleeing away on the motorcycle, " said Joint Commissioner of Police , Karnail Singh. Talking about the weapons that were left behind, Singh said, "The type of weapon has not been identified the calibre is .38. It is a prohibited type."
Delhi has been put on Red Alert and there are reports that at least 30 people with criminal records have been rounded up for questioning. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident and police say that they are investigating all angles, including a letter allegedly sent by the Indian Mujahideen.
(Watch: Red alert issued in Delhi) |
(Read: Police probe Indian Mujahideen link in Jama Masjid firing)Speaking to NDTV Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit appealed for calm. "I want to appeal to everybody not to panic. The Police commissioner is in touch with me, the moment they are nabbed he will let me know," Dikshit said.
(Watch: No need to panic, says Sheila Dikshit)Also, in another incident near the Jama Masjid, an unidentified car went up in flames sparking rumours of a bomb explosion. Though, there were no casualties the police are investigating if it could be related to the firing incident. The police spokesperson told NDTV that it there was a crudely-wired device inside the car, and that forensic investigation of the car and its remains are being carried out to get further details of exactly how the fire was caused.
(Watch: Car catches fire near Jama Masjid) In the aftermath of Sunday's shooting incident, security during the Commonwealth Games has become a primary concern with participating countries expressing their worries.
(Read: Jama Masjid firing raises security concerns for CWG)At this critical juncture, the Government finds itself in a predicament. It not only has to now respond to the flood of worried queries, but also find out who is responsible.
Also Read:High alert in Mumbai following Jama Masjid firing