In a swift response to a violent attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing, the Central government has bolstered her security with a Z-plus category cover, now led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The assault, which took place on Wednesday at her Civil Lines Camp Office during a ‘Jan Sunwai’ event, has raised serious concerns about law and order in the national capital. Alongside enhanced security measures, new restrictions will limit direct public access to the Chief Minister during future grievance sessions to prevent similar incidents.
The incident has prompted immediate action to safeguard Gupta, with authorities introducing stricter protocols for her public interactions and deploying advanced security arrangements at her residence and office.
CRPF Takes Over Z-Plus Security for Delhi CM
Following the attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed the CRPF to assume responsibility for Gupta’s security, transitioning from the Delhi Police on Thursday. According to sources cited by PTI, the decision was based on a threat perception report from central intelligence agencies, underscoring the need for heightened protection.
The Z-plus security cover, one of the highest levels outlined in the MHA’s ‘Yellow Book’ for VIPs and VVIPs, now includes a team of 22-25 armed CRPF commandos providing round-the-clock protection.
The CRPF’s VIP Security Group (VSG), which also guards figures like Home Minister Amit Shah and the Gandhi family, will secure Gupta’s official residence and Camp Office on Raj Niwas Marg in Civil Lines.
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New measures include advanced security gadgets, regulated access to her residence, and dedicated male and female personal security officers (PSOs) for public appearances.
Police sources emphasized that these upgrades aim to prevent any repeat of the incident. “Complainants will not be allowed to directly approach the chief minister during ‘Jan Sunwai’ sessions,” a source told PTI, adding that all complaints will now undergo verification before reaching Gupta. A designated perimeter will also ensure visitors maintain a safe distance during public hearings.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Response
The assault occurred during a routine Jan Sunwai session at Gupta’s Civil Lines residence, where she engages with citizens to address grievances. A 41-year-old man from Gujarat, identified as Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, allegedly attacked Gupta by pulling her hair and causing serious physical injuries. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra reported that Gupta was in a state of “shock” but has continued working from her residence.
Initial reports from the Delhi BJP claimed the attacker “slapped” and “pulled her hair,” but president Virendra Sachdeva later dismissed these as “fabricated,” clarifying that the incident involved a scuffle. The accused was swiftly apprehended by security personnel and arrested, facing charges including attempt to murder.
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The attack has sparked widespread concern about the safety of public officials and the law-and-order situation in Delhi. The revised security protocols, effective immediately, will remain in place for all future Jan Sunwai sessions to ensure Gupta’s safety while maintaining her commitment to public outreach.
