Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Slapped, Her Hair Pulled At Public Meet

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public hearing at her residence this morning. She has suffered injuries to her hand and head. A man, said to be in his 40s, approached the Chief Minister during a 'Jansunwai' and attacked her. The Chief Minister's security personnel immediately caught the attacker, and he is now being questioned.

According to preliminary information, the attacker has been identified as Rajesh Sakriya, originally from Rajkot in Gujarat. His mother, Bhanu, has said Rajesh is a dog lover and was upset over the Supreme Court's recent ruling to round up stray dogs in Delhi NCR and shift them to shelters, sources said. 

Sources said the attacker first slapped the Chief Minister and then pushed her. He then pulled her hair before the Chief Minister's security overpowered him.

The Chief Minister's Office has described the attack as "premeditated". "CCTV footage has revealed that the attacker had begun preparations for the assault at least 24 hours in advance. The footage shows the attacker conducting a recce of the CM's residence, recording videos there, and attempting a premeditated attack. This video has been handed over to the police, and a thorough investigation is underway," it has said. 

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To address public concerns, the Chief Minister attends a 'Jansunwai' meeting at her residence every week. Senior BJP leader Harish Khurana said, "One person present at the meeting attacked the Chief Minister. Right now, doctors are examining the Chief Minister. We condemn the attack. It should be investigated if this attack was politically motivated." 

Eyewitnesses have said the attacker came with some papers and approached the Chief Minister. He was talking to her and suddenly attacked her.   

The BJP has said it suspects a political conspiracy behind the attack. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said rivals cannot tolerate the Chief Minister's work on the ground and an investigation is on to find out who is behind the attacker.

Former Chief Minister and opposition Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) leader Atishi has condemned the attack and said there is no place for violence in a democracy. "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," said Ms Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. 

According to sources in the Delhi Police, an inquiry will be conducted to find what led to this big security breach. Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh will monitor this probe.