By Krishna Dua 
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Assaulted During Public Hearing: Accused Sent to Remand as Probe Unravels Complex Motives
Introduction
A wave of shock and condemnation has swept across the nation following the alleged assault on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, August 20, 2025, during her weekly ‘Jan Sunwai’ (public hearing) programme at her Civil Lines camp office. The accused, identified as Rajesh Sakriya, a 41-year-old from Rajkot, Gujarat, was swiftly apprehended by security personnel. The attack has not only raised serious questions about the security of public figures but has also led to a complex investigation into the attacker’s motive and potential links to a larger conspiracy. The Delhi Police have registered a case of attempt to murder, and the accused has been sent to a five-day police remand.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
The incident unfolded with alarming speed. Rajesh Sakriya, who posed as a complainant, approached the Chief Minister with some papers in hand. According to eyewitnesses and police reports, as Ms. Gupta began to review the documents, Sakriya allegedly lunged at her, attempting to physically assault her by grabbing her and pulling her hair. Security personnel, including a police officer, immediately intervened and overpowered him. The Chief Minister was shaken by the incident but later confirmed she was stable and uninjured, though a Delhi minister stated she sustained minor injuries to her head, shoulders, and hands. She has since reaffirmed her commitment to continue the public hearing sessions, stating that such “cowardly attempts” will not deter her resolve to serve the people.
FIR and Legal Proceedings
In a serious turn of events, the Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sakriya at the Civil Lines police station. The charges are grave, including Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to ‘attempt to murder.’ This charge carries a potential imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine. Other sections applied include Section 132 (assaulting or using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty) and Section 221 (obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions).
The accused was produced in a Delhi court on the same day, where the police sought his remand for further investigation. The court granted a five-day police remand, which will allow investigators to delve deeper into his background, question him extensively, and probe for any accomplices or conspiratorial elements. The investigation has been handed over to the Delhi Police’s Special Cell and is being conducted with assistance from the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Unraveling the Motive: A Conflicting Narrative
The motive behind the attack remains the most crucial and confusing aspect of the investigation. The police and multiple media outlets have reported a conflicting narrative from the accused himself, as well as from his family.
- Initial Claims: According to initial police questioning, Sakriya first claimed he was seeking the release of a jailed relative. However, this statement was quickly contradicted.
- The Stray Dog Theory: A more consistent claim, which has been corroborated by his mother, is that Sakriya, an auto-rickshaw driver from Rajkot, is an avid animal lover. His mother, Bhanuben Sakriya, told reporters that her son was deeply disturbed by a recent Supreme Court order directing the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi. She insisted that he had no political affiliations and had traveled to Delhi to protest the order. According to her, he had even conducted a three-day fast in Ayodhya earlier to protest for the welfare of monkeys.
- The Conspiracy Angle: The Delhi Police, however, are not taking the “animal lover” motive at face value. Senior police officials, citing evidence recovered from Sakriya’s mobile phone, have stated that he conducted a recce of the Chief Minister’s official residence in Shalimar Bagh at least 24 hours before the attack. Videos and photographs of the residence were reportedly found on his device, raising suspicions of a pre-meditated and planned conspiracy. A police source said Sakriya sent a video of the recce to an unknown associate, a detail that has prompted a full-scale investigation into whether he was acting alone or as part of a larger group. The Chief Minister’s office has also labeled the incident as a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.”
The Security Lapse and Response
The attack on a sitting Chief Minister has brought the issue of security for high-profile political figures under intense scrutiny. The incident occurred during a ‘Jan Sunwai,’ a public-facing event designed to make leaders more accessible to the common citizen. This format, while commendable for its democratic spirit, inherently carries a high security risk.
In a swift and decisive response, the Central Government has granted ‘Z’ category security cover to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This security detail, provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is one of the highest levels of protection in India and includes an escort of over 20 personnel and armed guards. The CRPF has already taken charge of her security from the Delhi Police, with additional personnel deployed at her residence and office.
Furthermore, a review of the ‘Jan Sunwai’ protocol is underway. Reports suggest that to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, visitors will no longer be allowed to directly approach the Chief Minister. Instead, a designated perimeter will be created, and all complaints will be vetted before being presented to her. This move, while necessary for security, marks a significant change in the way public outreach is conducted.
Mental Health and The Social Angle
While the political and security angles are being explored, the incident also brings to light the role of mental health and social unrest. The accused’s erratic behavior, conflicting statements, and his mother’s claims about his distress over an animal welfare issue raise questions about his mental state. Police have confirmed that Sakriya has a history of five cases registered against him in Rajkot, including charges of assault and criminal intimidation, though he was acquitted in most. This past record, combined with his recent actions, paints a portrait of a troubled individual.
The incident is also a mirror to the social and political polarization that can fuel extreme reactions. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, the attack serves as a chilling reminder of the volatility that can exist in a highly charged environment.
Conclusion
The attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta is a multi-layered case that goes beyond a simple assault. With the accused, Rajesh Sakriya, in police custody and charged with attempt to murder, the investigation is set to uncover the full truth behind his motives—whether it was an isolated act driven by a distorted sense of justice for animals or part of a deeper, more sinister conspiracy. As security protocols are revamped and a tense political atmosphere prevails, the incident underscores the vulnerability of public figures and the complex interplay of personal grievances, mental health, and political motives in the modern world. The coming days of the police remand will be critical in piecing together the full story and ensuring that justice is served.
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