Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) at her Civil Lines residence on Wednesday morning. The attacker, posing as a complainant, reportedly approached her with court papers and allegedly slapped her before being restrained by security personnel.
The accused, identified as Rajesh Bhai Kimji Bhai Sakariya, 41, from Rajkot, Gujarat, has been apprehended and is currently under police questioning. Senior Delhi Police officials, including the Police Commissioner, rushed to the scene following the incident.
Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack. BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva stated that the Chief Minister is in stable condition after a medical examination and praised her dedication to public service. Former Delhi CM and AAP leader Atishi condemned the violence on X, emphasizing that while disagreement and protest have a place in democracy, violence does not.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called the attack a “political conspiracy,” criticizing the culprits for targeting the CM due to her close engagement with the public.
This is not the first time a Delhi CM has faced public attacks. Former CM Arvind Kejriwal was previously targeted at rallies, including incidents involving ink and a shoe being thrown at him.
The Delhi Police have assured strict action against the suspect while continuing to investigate the circumstances of the attack.
