Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Survives Attack During Public Hearing

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked during a public grievance meeting at her residence, with the assailant posing as a complainant before launching a physical assault. The accused, who has been identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 41-year-old from Rajkot, Gujarat, was immediately apprehended by security personnel and has been arrested on charges of attempted murder.

The incident unfolded during the Chief Minister’s weekly ‘Jan Sunwai’ (public hearing) program, a forum where citizens can directly present their grievances. According to accounts from eyewitnesses and officials, the accused approached the Chief Minister under the pretext of handing over documents related to a complaint. It was at this moment that he allegedly attacked her, causing a scuffle. While initial reports from some quarters claimed a slap or stone-throwing, leaders who later met with the Chief Minister have described the assault as a sudden, violent grabbing and jostling. CCTV footage from the CM’s residence has reportedly shown the accused conducting a reconnaissance of the area a day before the attack, suggesting a premeditated plan.

Following the attack, CM Gupta was taken for a medical examination. While she is said to be stable and in a state of shock, officials have stated that she sustained injuries to her head, shoulders, and hands. The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempted murder, along with other charges related to assaulting a public servant. The investigation has been handed over to the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) also involved, to probe the possibility of a larger conspiracy.

The accused, Rajesh Sakariya, was remanded to five-day police custody by a Delhi court. His family, however, has offered a different narrative for his actions. His mother, Bhanuben, told reporters that her son is an animal lover who was deeply disturbed by a recent Supreme Court order concerning stray dogs in the national capital. She insisted that he has no political affiliations and that his actions were a result of his emotional state. However, police sources have stated they are investigating all possible angles and have not ruled out a wider conspiracy. Authorities have also confirmed that Sakariya has a criminal record, with previous cases related to assault and liquor possession registered against him.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties have expressed their shock and concern, highlighting the incident as a serious security lapse. Both the ruling and opposition parties have called for a thorough and swift investigation. Despite the traumatic event, CM Gupta has released a statement affirming her resolve to continue with the ‘Jan Sunwai’ program, calling the attack a “cowardly attempt” to weaken her commitment to serve the people of Delhi.