Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Assaulted During Public Hearing, Suspect in Custody

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly assaulted during a “Jan Sunwai” programme at her Civil Lines residence on Wednesday morning, leading to heightened security concerns in the national capital. The accused, identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 42-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat, was immediately taken into custody by police.

According to officials, the incident occurred when the Chief Minister was interacting with citizens as part of her routine public hearing. The accused first handed over a written complaint and then reportedly attempted to pull the CM towards him, resulting in a brief scuffle. In the process, Gupta is said to have suffered a light blow to the head. She was examined by doctors and declared stable.

Following the arrest, Gujarat Police questioned the suspect’s family. His mother, Bhanuben Sakaria, stated that her son, an auto-rickshaw driver, was not associated with any political party and had travelled to Delhi to protest against a recent Supreme Court order on relocating stray dogs.

Delhi Police Commissioner S.B.K. Singh visited the Chief Minister’s residence, while teams began analysing CCTV footage to ascertain the sequence of events. Investigators are also interrogating the accused to determine his motive.

While police maintained that preliminary findings indicate no major injuries, the incident has drawn political reactions. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva condemned the assault but confirmed that the Chief Minister is in good health and resting. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the attack could be linked to political conspiracy, though authorities have not confirmed such a connection.

The Chief Minister is expected to resume her public engagements, with officials reiterating that “Jan Sunwai” programmes will continue despite the incident. The case remains under investigation.