While the sequence of events was not clear, the incident raises serious questions on security at a time of high alert ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
An alleged gunshot fired in the high-security zone near Parliament on Monday triggered panic as controversial Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid claimed he was targeted.
The alleged attack took place outside Constitution Club around 2.30 pm where Khalid was to attend an event 'Khauff Se Azaadi' (Freedom from Fear), organised by United Against Hate. The function did not have police permission.
While the sequence of events was not clear, the incident raises serious questions on security at a time of high alert ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
One version said the accused deliberately dropped the pistol; another claimed that the weapon fell out of the pocket of one of the accused as they tried to flee. In CCTV footage, a person was seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans. Six bullets were found from the weapon.
Khalid was with his three friends when the alleged attack took place but he escaped unhurt. Police official Ajay Choudhary said it was being investigating whether any shot was fired or not. A case of attempt to murder was registered.
"I was returning after having tea. One person came from behind, pushed me down and tried to fire at me. I ran for my life. He fled from there," said Khalid. He was one of the three JNU students charged in 2016 in connection with an event on the campus were anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.
While the police is examining CCTV footage to verify claims made by Khalid, eyewitnesses said they heard firing and saw a scuffle.
"Khalid said he was attacked. Somebody pounced on him and tried to fire at him but the person could immediately not fire. People started chasing him. According to Khalid, he tried to fire in the air. CCTV footage is being examined to verify the incident," said another police official, Madhur Verma.
"I do not know whether it was the handiwork of some group and if others accompanied the attacker. It's ironic that it happened as I have come to participate in an even against mob lynching," Khalid said.
The event featured speakers such as lawyer Prashant Bhushan, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand and the late Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula.
Khalid had recently filed a complaint with the Delhi police that he and Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani had received death threats from a man who claimed to be Ravi Pujari.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Umar Khalid")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}