Early this morning in New Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked while meeting people at her home. She got hurt on her hand and head when a man in his 40s suddenly slapped her, pushed her, and pulled her hair during the public session called ‘Jansunwai’.
Luckily, her security team quickly caught the attacker. The police have filed a case against him for trying to kill the Chief Minister, attacking a public official, and blocking the work of officials.
The attacker has been identified as Rajesh Sakriya from Rajkot, Gujarat. His mother said he loves dogs and was upset about a recent Supreme Court ruling that ordered stray dogs in Delhi and nearby areas to be caught and taken to shelters.
People who saw what happened said Rajesh came with some papers and talked to the Chief Minister before suddenly attacking her. The Chief Minister’s office said the attack was planned because CCTV footage showed Rajesh was watching her house and preparing for this for about a day.
The Chief Minister holds these public meetings every week to listen to people’s problems. BJP leader Harish Khurana condemned the attack and said doctors are checking on her. He also said they are investigating if this attack has political reasons.
BJP suspects rivals may be behind this because they do not like the Chief Minister’s work. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said an investigation is ongoing to find out if someone is hiding behind this act.
Opposition leader Atishi from the Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the attack, saying violence has no place in democracy. She hopes the police will take strict action and wishes the Chief Minister a quick recovery.
The Delhi Police said they will investigate how the attacker was able to get so close to the Chief Minister. Police Commissioner SBK Singh is personally supervising the inquiry.