Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him directly accountable for the worsening law and order situation in the national capital. Kejriwal accused Shah of being overly focused on election campaigns while criminal activity in Delhi spiraled out of control. His comments came in the wake of two brutal murders that shocked the city on Saturday, highlighting the growing fear among Delhi’s residents.
"Law and order in Delhi is Amit Shah's responsibility, but he is too preoccupied with election rallies to pay attention. Criminals are running amok, and while some shooters have been apprehended, the masterminds behind these crimes remain free. This shows a complete failure of governance," Kejriwal remarked during an interaction with India Today.
Referring to the two latest incidents, Kejriwal described them as emblematic of the breakdown of safety in the city. In northeast Delhi's Shahdara area, Sunil Jain, a 52-year-old utensil trader, was shot dead in broad daylight during his morning walk. The attackers reportedly fired 7-8 rounds at him, leaving the community shaken. Meanwhile, in the Govindpuri area of south Delhi, a disagreement over the cleanliness of a shared toilet escalated into a violent brawl, resulting in one man's death and injuries to two others.
"Delhi's streets have become unsafe for everyone—women, children, the elderly, and even traders. This morning, Sunil Ji was gunned down in Vishwas Nagar. How have criminals become so fearless? What kind of signal does this send to the public?" Kejriwal questioned, adding that several traders he knows personally have left Delhi due to rising extortion threats. "If even businessmen are fleeing the capital, what hope is there for ordinary citizens?"
Kejriwal accused the Delhi Police of being ineffective, claiming that it had failed to prevent escalating violence and extortion in the city. He further stated that while the AAP government was fulfilling its mandate by improving education and healthcare, the BJP—tasked with maintaining law and order through its control of the Delhi Police—was failing miserably. "The people of Delhi gave us the responsibility of fixing schools and hospitals. The BJP, on the other hand, was entrusted with the critical job of keeping the city safe. They have failed, and the consequences are there for all to see."
Backing Kejriwal's statements, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj echoed concerns about widespread insecurity. "Today, gang wars, extortion threats, and shootings are rampant. Residents live in constant fear. Women are unsafe. Traders receive threats regularly. How can anyone feel secure in a city where criminals operate with impunity?" Bharadwaj said, citing examples of gang violence and loan-related shootings as everyday occurrences.
The Shahdara murder has particularly rattled the community. Sunil Jain was a well-known trader who had stepped out for his routine morning walk when assailants on motorcycles ambushed him. The attack was brazen in broad daylight and in a residential area. In the Govindpuri incident, what began as a seemingly minor dispute over the cleanliness of a shared toilet escalated into a deadly confrontation between two groups, further underscoring the volatile environment in the capital.
Kejriwal also criticized the apparent lack of strategic direction within the Delhi Police, which reports directly to the Union Home Ministry rather than the state government. "When criminals act without fear of consequences, it reflects poorly on the authorities in charge. The Delhi Police's inability to tackle rising crime is undermining the city's reputation," he said.
The escalating violence and the political blame game have sparked outrage among Delhi's citizens. Business communities have called for better protection against extortion, while women’s rights groups have decried the increasing number of crimes against women in the city. Social media is abuzz with residents demanding immediate action and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has launched investigations into both incidents, but critics argue that reactionary measures are not enough. Many believe that the capital requires a systemic overhaul in its policing and governance to restore the public’s trust. With elections looming, the issue of safety in Delhi is likely to become a central point of debate between political parties. As public anger grows, Kejriwal and his party continue to challenge the BJP-led administration to address the issue with urgency and transparency.
