In a shocking incident, the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man during a routine public hearing (Jan Sunwai). The incident occurred at her official residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning. The assailant is identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat.

He approached the Chief Minister during the citizen interaction session and launched the assault. Gupta’s security personnel quickly overpowered the attacker and handed him over to police.

Conflicting Reports About Nature of Attack

Initial reports suggested that the Chief Minister had been slapped. However, Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva refuted these claims, stating that the man tried to pull Gupta by the hand, resulting in a brief scuffle. He added that her head might have accidentally hit a corner during the incident. Gupta was taken for a medical check-up and is said to be stable, though visibly shaken by the event.

“A man, believed to be around 35 years old, handed over a document before suddenly attacking the Chief Minister. While it is not yet clear if he is affiliated with any political party, his remarks prior to the assault suggested that he may be linked to a party discontent with its position in Delhi,” said BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar.

Who is the accused?

Rajesh Sakariya, the accused, is a resident of Rajkot and reportedly belongs to a family of rickshaw pullers. According to police sources, he was distressed over a legal case involving a jailed relative. His mother, questioned by Rajkot police, claimed he also suffers from mental health issues and is a staunch animal lover. She revealed that he was disturbed by a recent Supreme Court verdict regarding stray dogs.

Anjali, who was present at the spot, said, “This is wrong. 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.”

Political Reactions and Conspiracy Allegations

The incident has sparked a political storm, with BJP leaders condemning the attack and hinting at a possible political conspiracy. BJP minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that some political rivals are uncomfortable with Gupta’s grassroots approach and public accessibility. Senior BJP leader Harish Khurana echoed these concerns, demanding a thorough investigation into whether the attack had political motivation.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “conspiracy by rivals.” He said, “She worries for Delhi day and night. They cannot tolerate that a CM remains amid the public for hours, that she meets people at her residence. So, there seems to be a political conspiracy behind this. Delhi Police is investigating, and all facts will come out.”

Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, who described the assault as an “unforgivable crime.” He said, “A woman, a daughter, who is dedicated day and night solely to the service of Delhi – those who attack her and those who orchestrate it are both cowards and criminals. Such criminals do not have the courage to engage in discussion based on logic and facts. Shameful and condemnable.”

Opposition Condemns Violence, Calls for Accountability

Leaders across party lines denounced the attack. AAP leader Atishi, while criticizing the violence, emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic decorum and urged the Delhi Police to take strict action. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav raised questions about women’s safety, stating, “If the CM of Delhi isn’t safe, what hope is there for common citizens?”

Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said, “This is very unfortunate. CM leads the entire Delhi, and I think that the more such incidents are condemned, the less it is. But this incident also exposes women’s safety. If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or common woman be safe?”

Security Breach Under High-Level Probe

Following the incident, the Delhi Police have launched a detailed investigation into the serious security lapse. Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh is personally overseeing the probe. Despite Z-plus security, the accused managed to get close enough to the Chief Minister to launch the assault, prompting questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols.

The police are working with Gujarat authorities to verify the accused’s background and potential affiliations.