The accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, was apprehended immediately after the assault during a public hearing.
BY PC Bureau
NEW DELHI – A man from Gujarat, identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, 41, has been apprehended by Delhi Police after he assaulted Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing at her residence on Wednesday. The incident, which left the Chief Minister in a state of shock, has drawn widespread condemnation and political reactions.
The attacker, a resident of Rajkot, was identified as a man from a family of rickshaw pullers. According to police sources, he had approached the Chief Minister with a petition seeking the release of a jailed relative.
In a statement to authorities, the man’s mother, who was questioned by Rajkot police, described her son as “mentally ill” and an animal lover. She stated that he had previously traveled to Delhi on his own following a court verdict related to stray dogs, and she was unaware of his intent to visit the Chief Minister’s residence.
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The assault reportedly occurred after Sakariya handed over some documents to the Chief Minister. He then began shouting and yelling before striking her. He was immediately overpowered by other attendees at the “Jan Sunwai” (public hearing) and was reportedly thrashed by the crowd before being taken into custody.
Delhi BJP Chief Virendraa Sachdeva confirmed the attacker had tried to pull the Chief Minister by her hand, causing a scuffle in which she may have hit her head.
Reactions and Investigation Underway
The attack has been met with swift reactions from political figures. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar commented on the attacker’s possible motives, stating, “A man, believed to be around 35 years old, handed over a document before suddenly attacking the Chief Minister. While it is not yet clear if he is affiliated with any political party, his remarks prior to the assault suggested that he may be linked to a party discontent with its position in Delhi.”
Rajkot, Gujarat: Bhanuven, the mother of suspect accused of attacking Delhi CM Rekha Gupta during Jan Sunvai, says, “He had gone to Rajkot on Sunday. He has two sons in the family and drives a rickshaw. His mental health is unstable and he sometimes attacks anyone in the… pic.twitter.com/G0C2M3bq0m
— IANS (@ians_india) August 20, 2025
Virendraa Sachdeva, while condemning the violence, praised the Chief Minister’s resolve. “Gupta remains determined to continue her daily work and Jan Sunwai sessions,” he said, calling her a “strong woman with a clear commitment to Delhi.”
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Delhi Police have launched a full investigation, with the accused currently in custody for detailed questioning. The Delhi Police has also reached out to their counterparts in Gujarat to verify the identity and address provided by the accused. The police are continuing to investigate Sakariya’s motives and any potential affiliations.
