Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man during a 'Jan Sunwai' (public hearing) at her official residence on Wednesday. Initial reports of the Chief Minister being slapped were clarified by Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva, who stated that she was instead attacked during the hearing. The incident has raised serious questions about security protocols, given the Chief Minister is under Z-plus security.
Police have identified the accused as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot. During preliminary interrogation, Sakariya revealed he had come with a petition to seek the release of a relative who is currently in jail, a matter that is sub judice.
Officials described the assault, stating that the man, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, first handed some papers to the Chief Minister before beginning to shout and then striking her. He was immediately overpowered by other individuals present at the event, who reportedly thrashed him before he was taken into police custody. A witness, Anjali, corroborated this, stating, "The person was speaking and he suddenly slapped. Police have taken him away."
The Delhi Police have since contacted their counterparts in Gujarat to verify the name and address provided by the accused. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has arrived at the Chief Minister's residence, and a full inquiry is underway.
Rajkot police have taken the accused's mother for questioning. She claimed she was unaware that her son had travelled to Delhi to meet the Chief Minister. She described him as mentally ill and an animal lover, adding that he had travelled to Delhi alone before. She said his recent trip was prompted by a verdict related to stray dogs. The family belongs to a family of rickshaw pullers.
Political Reactions and Condemnations
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures.
Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva, who provided a detailed account of the incident, said the attacker attempted to pull the Chief Minister by her hand, which led to a scuffle where she may have hit her head. While confirming that she is stable, Sachdeva noted she is in shock.
He praised her resilience, stating she remains determined to continue her work, calling her a "strong woman with a clear commitment to Delhi." He also refuted claims that the Chief Minister was hit with a stone or slapped, calling them incorrect. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar added that the man's remarks before the assault suggested a possible link to a political party discontented with its position in Delhi.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the incident as a "conspiracy by rivals." He stated that the attack appeared to be politically motivated, aimed at a Chief Minister who "worries for Delhi day and night" and remains accessible to the public.
Another Delhi Minister, Kapil Mishra, described the assault as an "unforgivable crime," calling the perpetrators "cowards and criminals" who lack the courage for a logical debate.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav called the incident 'very unfortunate' highlighting that if the Chief Minister is not safe, the safety of ordinary citizens, particularly women, is also at risk.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP MLA Atishi also condemned the attack, stating that while democracy allows for protest, "there is no place for violence." She called for the strictest action against the culprits and wished for the Chief Minister's swift recovery.
The incident underscores serious security lapses, as all visitors to the Chief Minister's residence are supposed to undergo strict checks before being allowed near her.
Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta 'slapped' during ‘Jan Sunvai’ at Civil Lines
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