New Delhi, August 20: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly slapped by a man during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) at her residence on Wednesday, police said. According to initial information, the attacker, said to be around 40 years old, was carrying a bag when he suddenly approached the Chief Minister, who was surrounded by several people at the time, and launched the attack.
Officials said the man, believed to be in his mid-30s to early 40s, first handed over some papers to Gupta, then began shouting and yelling before striking her. He was immediately overpowered and taken into custody.
Preliminary interrogation has revealed that the accused has been identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot. Police said he remains in custody and will face detailed questioning to determine his motives.
"A man, believed to be around 35 years old, handed over a document before suddenly attacking the Chief Minister. While it is not yet clear if he is affiliated with any political party, his remarks prior to the assault suggested that he may be linked to a party discontent with its position in Delhi," said BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar.
Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva also described the incident, saying the attacker tried to pull the Chief Minister by the hand during the hearing, leading to a scuffle in which her head may have hit a corner. He said police are investigating the man's identity and motive, while doctors have confirmed that Gupta is stable but in shock. Sachdeva added that Gupta remains determined to continue her daily work and Jan Sunwai sessions, calling her a "strong woman with a clear commitment to Delhi". He also dismissed speculation that a stone or slap had landed, saying such claims were incorrect.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly condemned the incident, calling it a "conspiracy by rivals." He said, "She worries for Delhi day and night. They cannot tolerate that a CM remains amid the public for hours, that she meets people at her residence. So, there seems to be a political conspiracy behind this. Delhi Police is investigating, and all facts will come out."
Anjali, who was present at the spot, said, "This is wrong. Everyone has the right to Jan Sunwai. If an imposter can slap her, this is a big deal... I was there... The person was speaking and he suddenly slapped. Police have taken him away."
Police said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has reached the Chief Minister's residence and an inquiry into the incident is underway.
Reacting to the incident, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said, "This is very unfortunate. CM leads the entire Delhi, and I think that the more such incidents are condemned, the less it is. But this incident also exposes women's safety. If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or common woman be safe?"
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP MLA Atishi also condemned the attack, calling it "highly condemnable." She said that while democracy allows space for disagreement and protest, "there is no place for violence." Atishi expressed hope that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits and wished for the Chief Minister's complete safety. (India Today)
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