Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked During Public Hearing, Gujarat Man in Custody
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) at her residence on Wednesday. Police identified the accused as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat. He was immediately overpowered, thrashed by attendees, and taken into custody.
What Happened
According to officials, the man first handed Gupta some papers, then began shouting before striking her. Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva clarified that contrary to initial reports of a slap, the attacker tried to pull the CM by the hand, causing a scuffle in which her head may have hit a corner. Doctors later confirmed Gupta is stable but in shock.
Who Is the Accused?
Police sources said Sakariya belongs to a family of rickshaw pullers in Rajkot and has a relative in jail, for whose release he had petitioned. His mother, questioned by Rajkot Police, described him as mentally unstable and an animal lover disturbed by a recent court verdict on stray dogs. She claimed he had previously assaulted family members and never took treatment for his mental health.
Delhi Police has contacted Gujarat Police to verify his identity and background.
Political Reactions
The incident triggered sharp responses across the spectrum:
- Virendraa Sachdeva (Delhi BJP chief): Called Gupta a “strong woman” and dismissed reports of a stone or slap.
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Delhi Minister): Alleged a “political conspiracy” to target Gupta because of her public outreach.
- Kapil Mishra (Delhi Minister): Termed the attack an “unforgivable crime” against a leader dedicated to Delhi’s service.
- Devender Yadav (Delhi Congress chief): Said the assault highlighted gaps in women’s safety, adding, “If the CM isn’t safe, how can the common woman be safe?”
- Atishi (Former CM, AAP MLA): Condemned the violence, stressing that while democracy allows dissent, “there is no place for violence.”
Security Questions Raised
The attack has also raised concerns about the CM’s Z-plus security, under which visitors are supposed to undergo strict checks before approaching her. The Delhi Police has launched a detailed inquiry into how the accused managed to breach these safeguards.
