New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public hearing (Jansunwai) at her residence this morning, leaving her with injuries to her hand and head, reports claimed.
A man in his 40s, identified as Rajesh Sakriya from Rajkot, Gujarat, allegedly carried out the attack after approaching her with some papers. He was overpowered by security personnel and is now in police custody for questioning.
Senior BJP leaders and Delhi Police officials rushed to the Chief Minister’s residence following the incident. Preliminary information suggests Rajesh was distressed over the Supreme Court’s recent directive to round up stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and move them to shelters. His mother, Bhanu, told sources he was a dog lover and upset by the ruling.
BJP leaders strongly condemned the attack. Party leader Harish Khurana said the incident must be investigated for possible political motives, while Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa claimed rivals were unsettled by the Chief Minister’s popularity on the ground.
The opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also denounced the assault. Former CM and current Leader of the Opposition, Atishi, said violence has no place in democracy and urged strict police action, adding that she hoped Rekha Gupta would recover fully.
Delhi Police has termed the incident a serious security lapse. Commissioner SBK Singh will personally oversee the inquiry into how the breach occurred.
