Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked During Public Event

In a shocking incident that has sparked political uproar and raised serious questions about security lapses, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during her weekly Jan Sunwai (public grievance hearing) at her Civil Lines residence on Wednesday morning. The Chief Minister, who meets citizens every week to directly listen to their problems, was allegedly assaulted by a man posing as a petitioner.

The accused, identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat, has been taken into custody by Delhi Police and is being interrogated. While Rekha Gupta is reported to be stable, the incident has sent shockwaves through Delhi’s political circles and ignited a heated debate over whether this was a politically motivated attack.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Slapped! Security Breach at Public Meet Sparks Outrage

The Incident: What Happened During Jan Sunwai

The attack occurred around 8:05 to 8:10 am when a man, identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya from Rajkot, Gujarat, entered the Chief Minister’s residence posing as a petitioner. Eyewitnesses reported that the accused first handed over court-related papers and then allegedly slapped her, pulled her hair, and verbally abused her. Some reports also mentioned that a heavy object was hurled, though official sources later clarified that there was no stone or serious object attack, and CM Gupta sustained minor injuries.

Eyewitness Anjali recounted, “This is wrong. Everyone has the right to Jan Sunwai. If an imposter can slap her, this is a big deal. I was there; the person was speaking and he suddenly slapped her. Police have taken him away.”

Another witness, Suresh Khandelwal, added, “He was looking for an opportunity and attacked her. She was completely in shock, but police intervened immediately.”

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva confirmed that Gupta was shaken but stable, saying: “The man presented some papers and then tried to pull her. People quickly restrained him. She has suffered a light blow but doctors have confirmed she is stable.”

Following the incident, CM Gupta was rushed to the hospital for a medical check-up. Reports confirm that she is medically stable and recovering, though visibly shaken.

VIDEO | Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked at a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her official residence in Civil Lines. Visuals from outside her residence.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/Fv2Dfb0Gxc— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2025

Arrest and Investigation

The attacker, Rajesh Sakariya, was immediately apprehended by Delhi Police at the scene and taken to Civil Lines police station for questioning. Authorities are verifying his personal and criminal background in coordination with Gujarat Police. Court-related documents were reportedly found in his possession, suggesting premeditation.

Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh is personally monitoring the investigation. Security measures at the Chief Minister’s residence have been significantly strengthened to prevent future breaches.

#WATCH | Delhi Police officials have reached the residence of CM Rekha Gupta.

She was attacked by a man during Jan Sunvai this morning. He has been nabbed by the Police and is being questioned. pic.twitter.com/u4k3d7t41H— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2025

Political Reactions to the Attack

The incident immediately triggered a political storm in Delhi.

BJP’s Response

The ruling BJP leaders strongly condemned the attack:

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi Minister, alleged a political conspiracy:
“Enemies cannot tolerate the fact that CM Rekha Gupta spends hours listening to people’s grievances. This is nothing but a conspiracy by rivals.”
Kapil Mishra, Delhi BJP Vice President, called it “an unforgivable crime”, describing Gupta as a dedicated daughter of Delhi.
Bansuri Swaraj, BJP MP, termed the attack “cowardly” and hailed Rekha Gupta as a “woman of steel resolve”.
Praveen Khandelwal, BJP MP, stated: “The CM meets people openly at her residence, and this openness was exploited. She remains stable and committed to her work.”

Opposition’s Response

Even opposition parties joined in condemning the attack:

Atishi, Leader of Opposition (AAP), said: “Violence has no place in democracy. Disagreements can exist, but such incidents are condemnable. We hope Delhi Police takes strictest action.”
Devender Yadav, Delhi Congress Chief, said: “If the CM is not safe, how can ordinary citizens be safe in Delhi?”
#WATCH | Attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta during Jan Sunvai | Anjali, who was present at the spot, says, "This is wrong. Everyone has the right to Jan Sunvai. If an imposter can slap her, this is a big deal...I was there...The person was speaking and he suddenly slapped. Police… pic.twitter.com/fsQCY8Jl0P— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2025

Why Was Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked?

While the investigation is ongoing, several factors may have contributed to the attack:

Access During Public Engagements: CM Gupta’s weekly Jan Sunwai sessions are designed to allow citizens to directly present grievances. This open access, though laudable for transparency, may have been exploited by the attacker.
Political Motives: BJP leaders suggest a political conspiracy behind the attack, claiming that Gupta’s hands-on approach and popularity on the ground could have provoked rivals. Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that opposition elements “cannot tolerate the Chief Minister’s work among the public.”
Personal Grievances or Pretext: Initial reports indicate that the attacker carried court-related papers, suggesting a potential personal grievance, though authorities are still investigating his true motives.
#WATCH | Attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta during Jan Sunvai | Suresh Khandelwal, claiming to be an eyewitness, says, "...I reached here and soon after the CM came out. She started meeting people. He (the accused) was looking for an opportunity and attacked her... It happened around… pic.twitter.com/WrurBfTcUQ— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2025

Security Concerns Raised

The Civil Lines residence, where Rekha Gupta meets the public every week, is a designated public grievance hearing spot. Citizens line up with complaints ranging from civic issues to legal disputes.

However, the incident has now raised alarming questions:

How did the attacker bypass security checks with documents and get so close to the CM?
Why was he able to disguise himself as a petitioner so easily?
Should Jan Sunwai sessions continue in the same open format, or should security be tightened?

Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh has confirmed that a high-level inquiry is underway and he will personally monitor the probe.

Security Lapses and Measures Taken

The attack has raised questions about security protocols during public events. In response:

An additional police force was deployed at CM Gupta’s residence.
Delhi Police are reviewing entry screening processes for public meetings.
Intelligence and security agencies are conducting a thorough inquiry into how the attacker bypassed existing safeguards.

Looking Ahead

CM Gupta’s office confirmed that she remains committed to her public engagement initiatives, stating that Jan Sunwai programs will continue without interruption. Authorities are prioritizing the identification of any larger network or conspiracy behind the attack to prevent future incidents.

The incident has not only highlighted vulnerabilities in security protocols for high-profile officials but has also reignited discussions on the need for safe and accessible public grievance platforms in India’s democracy.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies