'CM Rekha Gupta suffered injuries in her head, shoulders and hands': Delhi minister Parvesh Verma says attacker was prepared for today's assault; cops say assault was 'life-threatening'

NEW DELHI: Delhi minister Parvesh Verma on Wednesday provided updates on the attack on chief minister Rekha Gupta, saying the assailant had planned the assault in advance and that the CM sustained injuries to her head, shoulders, and hands.


“The police are investigating the mindset and motives of the attacker. We know that the attacker had been doing recce of her house and was waiting for today morning. Today, he attacked her. The CM has sustained injuries to the head, shoulders and hands and is being treated.”



The attack occurred during CM Gupta’s weekly public hearing, or ‘Jan Sunwai’, at her official residence in Shalimar Bagh around 8.15am.


The assailant, identified as Rajesh Bhai Sakriya from Rajkot, Gujarat, reportedly conducted reconnaissance of the CM’s residence a day before the attack. CCTV footage shows him recording visuals of the premises and speaking on the phone during his prior visit.

A senior police official described the attack as “serious” and “potentially life-threatening.”

The accused had five criminal cases, including two for knife assault and three under the Excise Act, but was not carrying a weapon during the attack due to strict security checks.

Police have registered an FIR under attempt to murder and charges for assaulting a public servant.

Sakriya reportedly arrived in Delhi two days prior and stayed in the Civil Lines area. During the attack, he tried to pull the CM towards him and was overpowered by officials and onlookers. Police are conducting a joint interrogation with the IB, Special Cell, and intelligence agencies.

According to sources, Sakriya had recorded videos of the ‘Jan Sunwai’, including the CM’s residence and her camp office, indicating premeditation. “He was planning this attack and today, when he got the opportunity, he attacked the CM,” said a police source.

Bhanuben Sakaria, mother of the accused, claimed that her son was not politically affiliated and had come to Delhi to protest the Supreme Court’s order on stray dogs. “He loves dogs, cows, and birds. That is why he was upset after the SC said all stray dogs in Delhi should be captured,” she said.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said, “The CM is shaken, but she is doing fine. During ‘Jan Sunwai’ this morning, a man suddenly caught her hand and tried to pull her towards him.” AAP leader Atishi and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack. Kejriwal emphasized, “In a democratic system, differences of opinion and opposition are acceptable, but there can be no place for violence. I hope the chief minister remains completely safe and healthy.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to review the CM’s security arrangements following the incident. CM Gupta, who has Z-category protection, has undergone a medico-legal examination and is under observation.

(With agency inputs)


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