New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted Wednesday morning by a man from Gujarat during a weekly public hearing at her official residence in Civil Lines.
The alleged attacker, identified as Sakariya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai from Rajkot district, was promptly rounded up by the CM’s security entourage before the police took him into custody for questioning.
Delhi Police said in a statement that an FIR has been filed against Sakariya at Civil Lines police station under sections 109(1), 132 and 221 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which correspond to charges of attempt to murder, assault or use of criminal force against public servant, and voluntarily obstructing public servant in discharge of duties, respectively.
Sakariya, 41, allegedly attacked Gupta when his turn arrived when the CM was listening to the grievances of people during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) programme.
Sources in the Delhi Police said that his interrogation was underway at the Civil Lines police station to ascertain the motive behind the assault that allegedly took place around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
“Police are investigating (to find out) the motive and conspiracy behind the attack. So far, it has been revealed that the accused conducted a reconnaissance for the last 24 hours to determine how to meet the CM, and that he had carried out reconnaissance even outside the CM’s residence in the Shalimar Bagh area. He spent the last night in the Civil Lines area,” Delhi Minister Parvesh Singh Verma told the press.
“He did not have any paper or agenda when he arrived for the Jan Sunwai. He attacked immediately after meeting her. The CM has injuries on her head, shoulder and hand, and doctors are examining her.”
The attacker, Verma added, did not leave the spot immediately and instead dragged Gupta before she was rescued.
Verma’s cabinet colleague Manjinder Singh Sirsa told the media that Gupta was pinned to the ground by the attacker and added that the absence of any documents established that the sole purpose was to attack the chief minister.
‘Son loves animals’
In Rajkot, Sakariya’s mother told the media that her son is an animal lover. “He loves feeding dogs, cows and other animals. Yesterday, his father called him to ask when he was returning home as he had told us about being in Ujjain. Then he said that he was in Delhi,” she said in Gujarati.
“When asked by father why he was in Delhi, he said he was there for dogs,” she added.
Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the incident, with Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra terming it a ‘cowardly attack’.
“The attempt to attack Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ji during a public hearing is a cowardly act. Those who are afraid of the Ayushman Card, Devi buses, improving sewer systems, and the cleaning of the Yamuna… they are now resorting to such tactics,” he said.
“The determined government, chosen by the people’s mandate, will neither bow nor stop for the sake of Delhi’s development.”
Sirsa further blamed the Opposition for indulging in such ‘shameful tactics’.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on Hon’ble CM Rekha Gupta Ji during a public hearing. Her fearless connect with people and unwavering commitment to public service clearly unsettle the opposition, which is stooping to such shameful tactics. Wishing her strength, safety and a speedy recovery,” he said.
Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal joined the chorus to condemn the ‘shameful tactics’ of the opposition. “This cowardly act is a failed attempt to disrupt the public hearing and break the direct dialogue with the people. The opposition is so uncomfortable with the Chief Minister’s resolve for public service and the development work happening in Delhi that they have resorted to such shameful tactics,” the BJP leader said.
The Opposition also was quick to react, with Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi condemning the incident. “The attack on Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is highly condemnable. In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence. Hoping that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe,” the Aam Aadmi Party leader said.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari condemned the incident and added that the people were angry with the way the BJP has been functioning.
“This is very sad; there is no place for violence in politics… But the BJP is the mother of violence… People are angry with the BJP as the promises made are not being fulfilled. Whoever did this should be investigated. However, as the BJP used to say, when Arvind Kejriwal was attacked, they would claim that he had done it himself. So now you have to see for yourself whether this was an accident or they got it done,” he said.
“But I want to make one thing clear: if this attack has happened, then I condemn it and want action to be taken against the culprit.”
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said the incident also highlights the unsafe nature of Delhi. “This is very unfortunate. CM leads the entire Delhi, and I think that the more such incidents are condemned, the less they will be. But this incident also exposes women’s safety. If the CM of Delhi is not safe, how can a common man or common woman be safe?”
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said that the chief minister’s condition was stable and added that the Jan Sunwai would continue. “Doctors have examined her, she is in shock right now, but she’s fine. She is a strong woman and knows her commitment towards Delhi. She said she is committed to continuing her work. I want to say that there is no place for violence in politics,” he asserted.
This is an updated version of the report
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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Dog lovers and dog feeders are absolute nuisances to human society. A well-knit community, their love for dogs, especially strays, far outweighs their love for fellow human beings. They can effortlessly feel the pain of a starving stray dog but are just unable to connect with the pain and fear of a young mother whose child was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs. It is this lack of empathy and compassion for fellow human beings which makes this community an absolute nuisance.
It’s really sad and disappointing that The Print has consistently batted on behalf of this community while putting the blame of dog-human conflict on the government.