New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Civil Lines camp office on Wednesday morning in what officials described as a "well-planned conspiracy to kill her." The accused, 41-year-old Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai from Rajkot, Gujarat, was arrested and booked under attempt-to-murder and related charges. He is being jointly interrogated by the Intelligence Bureau and the Delhi Police’s Special Cell.
The incident occurred around 8:15 am, leaving CM Gupta with injuries to her hand, shoulder, and head. Hours later, she described the assault as a "cowardly attempt" on her resolve to serve the people of Delhi, asserting that her spirit remained unbroken and that the Jan Sunwai programme would continue as usual.
Initial police investigations suggest Khimjibhai, a dog lover, was upset over the recent Supreme Court order on stray dogs, though authorities suspect a larger conspiracy. CCTV footage from CM Gupta’s residence indicates the attacker conducted reconnaissance at least 24 hours before the assault and communicated with unidentified individuals over the phone. Two videos from the Jan Sunwai programme were recovered from his mobile.
The accused reportedly entered the camp office posing as a complainant, approached CM Gupta, and attacked her, slapping and grabbing her hair. Security personnel intervened, subduing him. He was carrying a bag with clothes and papers but no weapon, due to expected strict security checks.
Khimjibhai has a prior record of five criminal cases in Gujarat, including two assault cases involving knives and three under the Excise Act. A case under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (attempt to murder) was lodged against him at Civil Lines police station, along with charges for assaulting and obstructing a public servant.
His mother, Bhanuben Sakaria, stated he had come to Delhi to protest the Supreme Court order on stray dogs and denied any political affiliation. She described her son as a "dog lover" who had recently visited Haridwar and planned to participate in protests.
Police confirmed CM Gupta had Z-category security as per the Ministry of Home Affairs’ guidelines. Following the incident, the Home Ministry may review her security arrangements. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the CM was shaken but in good condition. Former Delhi chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi condemned the attack, with Kejriwal urging that differences of opinion must not lead to violence, expressing confidence in the Delhi Police’s actions and wishing Gupta continued safety and health.
With PTI inputs