TN Congress MP’s Chain Snatched In Delhi

Sudha, the Lok Sabha MP from Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, described the incident as traumatic and raised serious concerns about women's safety in the national capital. In a letter to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, she wrote, “If a woman cannot walk safely in this high-security area of the national capital, where else can one feel safe?”

The incident sparked criticism from several opposition leaders, who demanded accountability from the Union Home Ministry. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi noted the alarming nature of such a crime occurring in an area generally regarded as secure. She also expressed concern over reports that a nearby patrol vehicle failed to respond to Sudha’s plea for help.

“This level of inattentiveness is deeply worrying for the safety of ordinary women, especially in cities like Delhi where crimes against women are rampant,” Gandhi said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called the incident “extremely unfortunate” and questioned the safety of the general public if such an attack could occur against a Member of Parliament in a protected zone. Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also expressed alarm, calling the incident a serious concern for citizen safety.

According to Delhi Police, the incident occurred around 6 a.m. near the Embassy of Poland. Sudha was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Rajathi at the time. A man wearing a full-face helmet approached on a scooter from the opposite direction, snatched her chain, and fled the scene.

“I was out for a walk with my colleague around 6:15 a.m. when a man on a bike came from the opposite direction, snatched my chain, tore my clothes, and fled. I shouted for help but no one responded. I saw a PCR van about 200 metres away and informed them, but they didn’t react,” Sudha later told the media. She said she had written to the Home Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker

Om Birla via her MP email ID and also sought medical treatment for her neck injuries.

Delhi Police officials confirmed that a formal complaint was received and a case has been registered. “We are awaiting the MLC report to confirm the nature of injuries. Multiple police teams have been deployed to trace the accused, and CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed,” said a senior police officer. Police are also questioning eyewitnesses and monitoring for any suspicious activity in the vicinity. Security around Tamil Nadu Bhavan and surrounding areas has been intensified.
In her letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Sudha wrote:

“I am regularly attending parliamentary proceedings and committee meetings in New Delhi. Since my official accommodation is still pending, I have been staying at Tamil Nadu House for the past year. It is my habit to go for morning walks when time permits. I was accompanied by MP Rajathi when the incident occurred.”

She further added, “The attacker’s helmet concealed his face. He snatched my chain and fled. I sustained injuries to my neck, and my churidar was torn in the struggle. Though I managed not to fall, we both cried for help to no avail.”

Calling the incident a “blatant attack” in a “high-security zone,” Sudha appealed to the Home Minister to direct authorities to trace the accused using CCTV footage and ensure the recovery of her chain and timely justice.

Police said investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to track the route taken by the accused.