CM attack case: Cops add criminal conspiracy charges

The Delhi Police added charges of criminal conspiracy following revelation by the two arrested accused in connection with the alleged assault on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at her camp office in Civil Lines.

A senior police officer said the fresh charge was added after investigators found evidence suggesting the assault was not an isolated act but part of a planned conspiracy.

Both accused - Rajeshbhai Khimji and Tahseen Syed - who are already in custody, were earlier booked under assault and related sections.

Criminal conspiracy charges under Section 61 of the BNS have now been added to the case.

According to Section 61 of the BNS, when two or more persons agree to commit an illegal act, or an otherwise legal act through illegal means, such an agreement amounts to a criminal conspiracy.

It further states that conspirators to offences, punishable with life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment of two years or more, face the same punishment as if they had abetted the offence.

Following the incident, the Delhi Police have significantly intensified security arrangements for Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, permanently deploying 40 personnel and ordering multiple frisking of visitors before their entry to any of her events.

Initially, the Union Home Ministry had directed the CRPF to extend Z-category cover to the Chief Minister, but that arrangement has now been withdrawn. Instead, the Delhi Police have taken over her protection with additional deployment.