Who is Rajesh Sakariya, the man from Rajkot who attacked Delhi CM Rekha Gupta? Why he did it and what happened

Time of India

a day ago

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man during her weekly Jan Sunwai (public hearing) at her official residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning, police said. The incident has caused shock across the capital, raising questions about security arrangements during public interactions with the Chief Minister.
Initial reports suggested that Gupta had been slapped, but Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva later clarified that the man tried to pull her by the hand during the hearing, leading to a scuffle. He added that the Chief Minister may have suffered a light head injury during the incident but was stable.
Who Was the Attacker?
According to preliminary interrogation reported by multiple TV channels, the attacker has been identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a resident of Rajkot, Gujarat. Police said he remains in custody and will face further questioning to determine his exact motive.
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Media reports suggest that one of Sakariya's relatives is currently in jail and that he had come to the hearing with a petition seeking their release, a matter still pending before the courts. Delhi Police have contacted Gujarat Police to verify his name, address, and background.
— ANI (@ANI)
How the Incident Happened
According to officials cited in media reports, the man, believed to be in his mid-30s to early 40s, first handed some papers to the Chief Minister before suddenly shouting and attacking her. Eyewitness accounts vary, with some claiming he pulled her hand and others alleging he struck her.
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Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar told the media that while the man's political affiliations were not confirmed, his remarks before the assault suggested frustration with a political party's position in Delhi.
Virendra Sachdeva explained the sequence of events, saying: 'The attacker tried to pull the Chief Minister by the hand during the hearing, leading to a scuffle in which her head may have hit a corner. Doctors have confirmed she is stable but in shock. She is a strong woman with a clear commitment to Delhi and remains determined to continue her work.'
Sachdeva dismissed speculation about stone-throwing or slapping, calling such claims 'incorrect and exaggerated.'
Political Condemnations
The attack has triggered sharp political reactions across parties.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described it as a 'political conspiracy by rivals,' claiming: 'She worries for Delhi day and night. They cannot tolerate that a CM remains amid the public for hours. So, there seems to be a conspiracy behind this. Delhi Police is investigating, and all facts will come out.'
Another Delhi Minister, Kapil Mishra, called the incident an 'unforgivable crime.' He said: 'A woman, a daughter, who is dedicated day and night to the service of Delhi – those who attack her and those who orchestrate it are both cowards and criminals.'
From the Opposition, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said the incident exposed larger questions of women's safety: 'If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or woman be safe?'
Former Delhi CM and AAP leader Atishi also condemned the assault, saying: 'Democracy allows space for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence. I hope Delhi Police takes the strictest action against the culprit.'
'The attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democratic system, differences of opinion and opposition are acceptable, but there can be no place for violence. I am confident that the Delhi Police will take appropriate action. I hope the Chief Minister remains completely safe and healthy,' said former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Police Action and Security Review
Police confirmed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) reached the CM's residence soon after the incident. An inquiry is underway, and additional security has been deployed around the Civil Lines residence. Officials described the incident as a 'serious lapse in security' and said protocols for Jan Sunwai events will now be reviewed.
Doctors have confirmed that Chief Minister Gupta is stable but recovering from shock. Despite the attack, Sachdeva said she has resolved not to cancel her daily schedule or her weekly Jan Sunwai programmes.
The investigation into Rajesh Sakariya's background and motive is ongoing, with further details expected once police complete their questioning.
Inputs from agencies