New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) – The man who attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the weekly Jan Sunvai at her official residence has been identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat, sources said on Tuesday.
According to officials, the Delhi Police have already contacted their counterparts in Gujarat for further verification. Rajesh has told the police during questioning that he hails from Rajkot.
The accused is currently being interrogated to determine the motive behind the attack. An official confirmation from the authorities on the incident and the assailant is still awaited.
Sources revealed that Rajesh suddenly approached the Chief Minister during the public hearing and hurled a heavy object at her. Gupta fell to the ground as a result of the assault.
Preliminary, unverified accounts suggest that the attacker handed over some papers to the CM, referred to a court case, and then proceeded to slap and abuse her. He allegedly pulled her hair and continued shouting during the scuffle.
The Chief Minister is presently under medical supervision to assess the extent of her injuries.
The incident is being described as a major security lapse. Delhi Police have ordered an internal inquiry into how such an attack could take place despite the heavy security presence at the CM’s residence.
Following the assault, security around Gupta’s residence has been tightened. Senior Delhi Police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), are on the spot, and a case has been registered at Civil Lines police station.
Investigations are ongoing.
