Paramilitary forces have been deployed outside the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following an attack on her during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Civil Lines Camp Office. Officials said her security cover will now undergo major changes.
According to police, the step has been taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that security protocols are strictly enforced during public interactions with the chief minister.
"Complainants will not be allowed to directly approach the chief minister during 'Jan Sunwai' sessions. Every complaint will first undergo verification before being placed before Gupta. A designated perimeter will also be created to ensure that visitors cannot come close to her," a police source said.
The accused, identified as Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai (41) from Gujarat, allegedly pulled Gupta’s hair and attacked her during the programme. He was overpowered on the spot, arrested, and later booked under charges including attempt to murder.
Officials confirmed that the revised security protocol will be enforced immediately and will remain in place for all future public hearings at the Chief Minister’s Office.
Minister Calls Attack a "Planned Conspiracy"
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said on Thursday that Gupta sustained serious physical injuries and was in a state of "shock" after the assault. Despite this, she has been working from her residence.
He claimed the attack was part of a "well-planned conspiracy" and that the accused is a "professional criminal" with a history of serious offences.
Mishra, who met the chief minister on Thursday morning, said:
"She has been actively working, but she requires rest. Her physical injuries are serious, and she is in a state of shock."
The minister further alleged that the accused has nine criminal cases registered against him, including attempt to murder and smuggling. "The attack was carried out in a planned manner. The accused had conducted a recce of her residence and two videos recovered from his phone prove this," Mishra added.
Court Sends Accused to Police Custody
Court sources said Khimjibhai was produced before a magistrate in southwest Delhi’s Dwarka late Wednesday night and has been sent to five days of police custody. He was not presented at the Tis Hazari court premises, they added.
Police have registered a case against him under Section 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with charges of assaulting and obstructing a public servant from discharging duty.
Officials said Gupta, who was attacked around 8:15 am on Wednesday, underwent a medico-legal case (MLC) examination after being attended by doctors.
Sources revealed that the accused had arrived in Delhi two days before the incident and was staying in Civil Lines, north Delhi.