In a startling incident that has raised serious security concerns, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted by an individual during her weekly public grievance redressal session at her official residence. The event, known as ‘Jansunwai,’ allows citizens to voice their concerns directly to the CM, but turned chaotic when a man posing as a complainant launched an unexpected attack.
The assailant, reportedly in his 40s and hailing from Rajkot in Gujarat, was swiftly apprehended by the CM’s security team. Identified as Rajesh Sakriya, he is currently under interrogation by authorities. Following the assault, Gupta was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation, while senior Delhi Police officials arrived to lock down the site and initiate preliminary investigations.
Political Reactions Pour in Amid Calls for Thorough Probe
Senior BJP figure Harish Khurana expressed outrage over the episode, stating, “One person present at the meeting attacked the Chief Minister. Right now, doctors are examining the Chief Minister. We condemn the attack. It should be investigated if this attack was politically motivated.”
The BJP has voiced suspicions of a larger political plot, with Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa suggesting that adversaries are unsettled by Gupta’s grassroots initiatives. He emphasized that a detailed inquiry is underway to uncover any masterminds behind the incident.
Eyewitness accounts describe how Sakriya approached the Chief Minister with documents in hand, engaging in brief conversation before carrying out the attack. This breach has prompted questions about safety protocols at such open forums.
Opposition Condemns Violence, Urges Swift Justice
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation across party lines. Former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi, now the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, denounced the act firmly.
“The attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence. Hoping that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe,” said Ms Atishi.
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Delhi Police sources indicate that a comprehensive review of the security lapse is in progress, overseen by Commissioner SBK Singh. The focus will be on understanding how the intruder managed to get close to the CM despite routine checks.
As the city grapples with this unsettling development, the emphasis remains on ensuring the Chief Minister’s well-being and preventing future vulnerabilities in public engagements.
