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Delhi Police have sought assistance from Gujarat Police to confirm the identity and residence details furnished by the accused, sources said
Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, the man who attacked Delhi CM Rekha Gupta | Image: News18
The man who allegedly attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing on Wednesday has been identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a resident of Rajkot in Gujarat, sources informed CNN-News18.
Sakariya, who was immediately taken into custody, is currently being interrogated by the Delhi Police, with investigators saying court-related documents were recovered from his possession. However, his motive remains unclear.
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Delhi Police have sought assistance from Gujarat Police to confirm the identity and residence details furnished by the accused, sources said.
They added that Sakariya introduced himself before handing over a paper to the Chief Minister and then launched the assault. His political affiliations, if any, are yet to be verified.
The incident occurred during CM Gupta’s weekly ‘Jan Sunwai’ at her residence, where citizens come to present grievances.
The session, which began at 7 am, saw citizens presenting grievances one by one to the Chief Minister.
According to eyewitnesses, around 8 am, Sakariya approached the Chief Minister, handed her a document, shouted, and then allegedly slapped her, pulled her hair, and hurled abuses.
He was restrained by security personnel and later arrested.
He was taken into custody and shifted to the Civil Lines police station, where he is being interrogated. Delhi Police are verifying his personal details with the assistance of Gujarat authorities.
Meanwhile, Gupta was later taken for a medical check-up.
BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar said, “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 before the assault suggested that he may be linked to a party discontent with its position in Delhi.”
Confusion remains over the exact sequence of events.
Some Delhi Police sources, quoted by IANS, said a heavy object was thrown at Gupta, causing her to fall. An official confirmation from the police is still awaited.
The Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement soon after the incident: “Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked today during a public grievance hearing. The Delhi Police promptly took the accused into custody and are interrogating him.”
Following the assault, additional security was deployed at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva, who also briefed reporters, claimed the attacker tried to drag Gupta by the hand, leading to a scuffle in which her head may have struck a corner.
He stressed that she is out of danger. “Doctors have confirmed that Gupta is stable but in shock. She remains determined to continue her daily work and Jan Sunwai sessions. She is a strong woman with a clear commitment to Delhi,” he said, rejecting speculation that she had been slapped or hit by a stone.
The investigation into Sakariya’s background and possible motives is ongoing.
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
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Delhi, India, India
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