NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked on Wednesday during a Jan Sunvai held at her residence in North Delhi’s Civil Lines. The accused, identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya, came from Rajkot. According to Delhi Police, the man was detained at the scene and taken in for questioning. “During spot interrogation by intelligence bureau, the man claimed his name was Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya and he was 41-years-old,” said a senior police officer. The police have contacted Gujarat Police to verify his details and antecedents. Sources revealed that Rajesh told the police that he had come to file a petition seeking the release of a relative who was in jail. The petition was reportedly pending in court. Eyewitnesses said the accused approached the chief minister while she was interacting with citizens during the Jan Sunvai and suddenly launched the attack. The man was immediately caught by the police and taken away. Following the assault, CM Gupta was taken to a hospital for a medical examination. Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva said, “During Jan Sunvai this morning, CM was speaking with the public like she always does. A man approached her, presented some paper and suddenly held her hand while trying to pull her towards him. During this, there was a little jostling. People nabbed him. Who is he, and all other details are being investigated by the Police. The CM is resting right now but she has said that she will not cancel her programs.” Sachdeva added “The CM is stable. Doctors have examined her. I have met her, she is a strong woman. It seems that she suffered a light blow to her head. The slap or stone-throwing stories are fabricated. Such incidents in politics are condemnable.” Delhi police officials were present at the CM’s residence following the incident and heightened security measures have been put in place. Top police officers are overseeing the ongoing investigation at the Civil Lines police station. Delhi Leader of Opposition and AAP leader Atishi tweeted, “The attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence. Hoping that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe.” Currently, the Chief Minister is under medical observation, and authorities are monitoring her condition closely.She is expected to continue with her scheduled programs for the day.
