Rahul Gandhi visits injured Congress leaders, activists in Raipur hospital

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi arrived in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur early on Sunday morning, and immediately went to the hospital where Congress leaders and workers attacked and injured by Maoists late on Saturday, have been admitted.

Interacting with senior medical staff and local Congress leaders, Gandhi said that if there is a need to shift the injured to Delhi for further treatment, it should be done without delay.

Congress state assembly member Amitesh Shukla said that the condition of the injured has stabilised.

He said that some of those injured in Saturday's Maoist attack in the Dharba Valley of Sukma District, were undergoing CT scans to determine the extent of their bullet injuries.

Speaking about the condition of former union minister V.C. Shukla., Shukla said: "A CT scan is being done. We will decide on what to do next as the blood level in his stomach is increasing. Some bullets have been found in the body. We are assessing his condition for shifting him to Delhi."

Dr. Sandeep Dev said a bullet was found near the heart of Mr. Shukla.

"BP (blood pressure) and pulse rate is stable. CT scan will be done. The major injuries are to the lungs and liver. Some bullets found in the body," he said.

He also said that the condition of Congress leader Harshad Mehta is critical.

"A decision has not been taken yet to shift them to Delhi. One risk has already been taken by shifting them to Raipur. Now, another decision of shifting them to Delhi cannot be taken hastily," he added.

An eyewitness said that the Maoist attack happened at around 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

He described the Naxalites as cowards, and revealed that Congress leader Mahendra Karma had literally pleaded with them to kill him and spare the others.

"Naxalites shot him with 100 bullets and then beat him with the gun and broke his head," he said.