The man who attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing on Wednesday has been identified as Rajesh Sakriya, a 41-year-old originally from Rajkot in Gujarat. According to sources cited by NDTV, the accused is a known dog lover and was allegedly disturbed by the Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region.
As per reports, Rajesh’s mother, Bhanu Sakriya, informed Delhi Police that her son was deeply upset about the court’s decision to round up stray dogs and relocate them to shelters. It is believed this may have played a role in his actions.
While some accounts suggest that Sakriya was driven by concern for animal welfare, other versions point to a personal grievance. According to NDTV, he may have visited the Jansunwai, a weekly public grievance forum hosted by the Chief Minister, to seek help over the arrest of a relative.
Delhi Police are yet to issue an official statement confirming the motive behind the assault.
Eyewitnesses described a tense moment when Sakriya approached Chief Minister Gupta holding some documents. He initially engaged her in conversation but quickly grew agitated, began shouting, and then physically attacked her.
Some people at the scene claimed that Sakriya appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident, though this has not been officially verified. The Chief Minister’s security team intervened immediately and restrained him. He is now in police custody and being interrogated.
The attack, which occurred at the Chief Minister’s residence during a public meeting, has prompted serious concerns about security arrangements for high-ranking officials. NDTV reported that Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh will personally oversee the investigation into the breach. Adding that sources within the police said an internal inquiry has been ordered to determine how the attacker gained such close access to the Chief Minister and what lapses may have occurred.
The BJP has suggested the possibility of a political conspiracy behind the attack. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Chief Minister’s work on the ground has unsettled her rivals. “Rivals cannot tolerate the Chief Minister’s work on the ground. An investigation is on to find out who is behind the attacker,” said Sirsa.
Opposition leaders have strongly condemed the incident. Former Chief Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi expressed shock and reiterated that violence has no place in a democratic society. “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,” said Atishi, who currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. “Hoping that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe,” she added.
Chief Minister Gupta was taken to hospital shortly after the incident and remains under medical observation. An official update on her condition is awaited.
