Shoes hurled at Gujarat Home minister Pradipsinh

Shoes were hurled at Gujarat Home minister Pradipsinh Jadeja on Thursday outside the state Assembly building when he was about to address the media.

Shouting "down with corruption", a man identified as Gopal Italia launched the projectiles at a surprised Jadeja but missed his target. He was then overpowered and taken away by police personnel.

A police official said the man was "mentally unstable" and claimed to be a government employee. The incident happened during the recess hour of the ongoing Budget session when Jadeja came to address the media near the public entry gate of the state Assembly premises.

Gandhinagar Range IG R B Brahmbhatt said Italia has been detained for questioning and preliminary investigation has revealed that he is "mentally unstable and frustrated".

While being taken away by police, Italia told media that the attack was on the "dictatorship and arrogance" of the state government. The ruling BJP was quick to point fingers at opposition Congress for the incident.