CM to continue public hearings, says cowardly attack can’t break her spirit

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said the assault on her by a 41-year-old man was a “cowardly attempt” that can never shake her spirit to serve the people and vowed to continue her public hearings with greater energy and dedication.

The incident occurred when the attacker, identified as Rajesh Bhai Kimji Bhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat, allegedly entered the CM’s Civil Lines office during a public hearing under the guise of a complainant. According to the police, he approached Ms. Gupta with some papers and attempted to heckle her. The CM’s security personnel then intervened and apprehended him. 

“The attack on me during the Jan Sunwayi (public hearing) today morning is not only an attack on me but also a cowardly attack on our resolve to serve Delhi and the public good,” Ms. Gupta said in a post on X in Hindi.

“Such attacks can never break my spirit and resolve to serve the public. Now, I will be among you with more energy and dedication than ever before. Jan Sunwayi and resolving public problems will continue with the same seriousness and commitment as before,” she said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia confirmed that the accused has been taken him into police custody and an FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines police station under Sections 109(1) (attempt to murder), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), and 221 (obstructing a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “We are probing the case from all possible angles,” he said.

‘Fabricated reports’

Police said a day before the assault, the accused had been caught on CCTV at the CM’s Shalimar Bagh residence, allegedly recording videos of the premises and the CCTV cameras.

 The incident drew sharp political reactions. Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh called it a “direct assault on democratic values”.  Though sources in the Delhi BJP initially said Ms. Gupta was “slapped” by the accused, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva later told mediapersons that reports of her being slapped and a stone being thrown at her were “fabricated”. Mr. Sachdeva said there was jostling, during which the CM suffered a light blow to her head.

However, Mr. Banthia did not clarify the extent of the attack or injuries to the Chief Minister in response to The Hindu’s queries.

(With inputs from Abhinay Deshpande)