Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attacked, leaders call it ‘cowardly act’

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during the weekly ‘Jan Sunvai’ (public grievance redressal) at her official residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday, in what is being viewed as a major security lapse.

The police have arrested the attacker, identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot in Gujarat, and are interrogating him to ascertain the motive. The Delhi Police have contacted their counterparts in Gujarat regarding the same.

Sources said that during the public hearing, Rajesh suddenly came forward, handed some papers to the Chief Minister referring to a court case, and then hurled a heavy object at her. Chief Minister Gupta fell on the ground after the attack. According to preliminary unverified information, he shouted at her, slapped her, pulled her hair, and began abusing her.

Currently, Gupta is being monitored by a doctor, after which it will be clear how many injuries she has suffered, said sources. Following the incident, security has been heightened at the chief minister’s residence. Top officials of the Delhi Police, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), reached the spot, and an investigation is underway at the Civil Lines police station.

Leaders across party lines condemned the attack. BJP state chief Virendra Sachdeva said he was headed to Gupta’s residence after hearing of the incident.

Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “The CM works tirelessly for the people of Delhi, and this is nothing but a conspiracy by the opposition. They cannot tolerate that a Chief Minister spends hours among the public, meeting people openly at her residence without restrictions.” Claiming a conspiracy, he added, “This clearly indicates a political conspiracy behind the incident. The Delhi Police are investigating the matter, and all facts will soon come to light.”

Leader of Opposition Atishi, too, termed the attack “highly condemnable.” She said, “In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence. It is hoped that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe.”

More details are awaited.