Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) at her residence on Wednesday, Delhi Police confirmed. Initial reports suggested that the Chief Minister had been slapped, but Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva clarified that while there was an attack, claims of a slap were incorrect.
The attacker was identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a resident of Rajkot, who was arrested immediately after the incident. According to police sources, one of his relatives is currently in jail, and he had come with a petition seeking their release, a matter pending before the court.
His mother told police that he was an animal lover disturbed by a recent verdict on stray dogs, claiming that he suffered from mental health issues but never took medication. “His mind is like that—he can hit anyone. He has even beaten me… He loves animals, and after the news about the dogs, he had been disturbed,” she said.
Police said Sakariya first handed over papers to Gupta before shouting, yelling, and then striking her. He was overpowered by those present and taken into custody. Delhi Police has contacted Gujarat Police to verify his identity and address.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva said the attacker tried to pull the Chief Minister’s hand during the hearing, which led to a scuffle. He confirmed that Gupta was stable but in shock, adding that she remains committed to her work. “She is a strong woman with a clear commitment to Delhi,” he said.
BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar noted the man’s remarks before the assault suggested possible links to a political party discontent with its position in Delhi, though this is under investigation.
ALSO READ: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta assaulted during routine public hearing; suspect in custody
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged a political conspiracy, saying, “They cannot tolerate that a CM remains amid the public for hours. So, there seems to be a political conspiracy behind this.”
Minister Kapil Mishra called the incident an “unforgivable crime”, while Congress leader Devender Yadav said the attack raised questions about women’s safety, remarking, “If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or common woman be safe?”
AAP MLA and former minister Atishi also condemned the incident, calling it “highly condemnable” and emphasising that democracy allows protest but not violence.
Witness Anjali, who attended the Jan Sunwai, said, “Everyone has the right to Jan Sunwai. If an imposter can slap her, this is a big deal… I was there… the person was speaking and he suddenly slapped. Police have taken him away.”
Police confirmed Gupta has Z-plus security, and visitors undergo strict checks, but an inquiry is underway to assess the breach. The Chief Minister remains under medical observation.
