Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked During Public Hearing; Accused Rajesh Sent to 5-Day Police Custody
New Delhi. A shocking incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public hearing session at her official residence. The accused, identified as 41-year-old Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat, has been found to have a criminal history with multiple cases registered against him, including liquor smuggling and assault.
According to Delhi Police, the accused arrived at the CM’s residence around 8:15 am with a public hearing slip in hand. Security checks revealed no suspicious items, yet moments later he launched an attack on the Chief Minister. Quick action by the police led to his immediate arrest at the spot.
Investigations have revealed that Rajesh, an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, had been conducting surveillance near the CM’s residence for at least 24 hours prior to the incident. He reportedly visited her Shalimar Bagh residence on Tuesday to collect a public hearing slip and stayed overnight at a Gujarati Samaj Bhawan. Married and a father of one, Rajesh was visiting Delhi for the first time.
Police officials stated that Rajesh already faces five criminal cases—three related to liquor smuggling and two to physical assault. While he has been acquitted in some, one case remains pending in the Rajkot court. Following his arrest, he was produced before the Tis Hazari Court late Wednesday, where he was remanded to police custody for five days. Authorities are now probing whether the attack was part of a larger political conspiracy or a lone act of aggression.
In her first reaction after the incident, CM Rekha Gupta termed the assault a “cowardly attempt.” Writing on social media platform X, she said, “Naturally, I was in shock after the attack, but I am feeling better now.” Her statement has drawn widespread concern and solidarity from political leaders across the spectrum.
The police, meanwhile, continue to interrogate the accused to uncover his motives and any possible connections behind the assault.
