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'Man grabbed hand, tried to pull her .... ': Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attacked during 'Jan Sunwai'; how it all unfolded

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The Times Of Indiapublisher-detail-arrow
20th August, 2025 10:39 IST
NEW DELHI: Eyewitnesses to the alleged attack on Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta during her weekly Jan Sunwai on Wednesday said the accused suddenly grabbed her hand and tried to pull her, sparking chaos at the venue. Several attendees condemned the incident as unacceptable and disturbing, with some even claiming the CM was “slapped.”

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva called it a serious security breach. “During Jan Sunwai, the CM was listening to grievances of people. A man came forward and tried to hand over some document to the CM. He suddenly grabbed the CM's hand and tried to pull her... there was commotion at the place. The person was nabbed by people present at the spot," he said.



"The police is investigating about the background of the person. The CM is stable; doctors have examined her. She is in a shock... the CM is a strong woman. She said she is committed to continue her work,” Sachdeva added.



According to the Delhi CMO, the assailant was caught immediately and handed over to police. “The accused has been nabbed by Delhi Police and is being questioned,” the office said. Gupta was later taken to hospital for a medical check-up.


Police identified the accused as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya, 41, who claimed to be a resident of Rajkot. His details are being verified with the help of Gujarat Police. Sources said he had first handed over papers to Gupta before allegedly attempting the attack. He is now being interrogated at Civil Lines police station.



Eyewitnesses described the moments of panic. “She (Rekha Gupta) was listening to the programme when the incident happened. We heard noise coming from behind, and by the time we turned around, the police had taken the attacker away. So yes, the attack did happen, and Rekha ji was completely in shock,” one attendee told PTI. Another attendee Shailendra Kumar, said, “I had come from Uttam Nagar with a complaint over sewer. When I reached the gates, chaos broke out because the CM was slapped. This is wrong...”


Another participant added, “I was there for the Jan Sunwai, and suddenly there was chaos. Suddenly there was an attack on the CM, the attacker seemed to have been prepared. This is a very shameful act.”


Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav also criticised the incident. “This is very unfortunate. If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or woman be safe?” he said.

Another attendee at the CM residence Shailendra Kumar said, "I had come from Uttam Nagar with a complaint over sewer. When I reached the gates, chaos broke out because the CM was slapped. This is wrong..."



The Civil Lines residence serves as a weekly venue for the chief minister to meet citizens and hear their grievances.

Meanwhile, former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal condemned the incident and said, "The attack on Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is utterly deplorable. 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 is completely safe and well."



Neighbour of the accused, who belongs to Rajkot said, “We never had any problems with him and he was cordial with everyone here. He would come, have food at his house and leave. He worked in a temple and seemed like a nice, normal man.”


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