‘I was at Jan Sunwai, when Delhi CM Rekha Gupta was attacked, he was prepared’: Eyewitness

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked on Wednesday during her weekly 'Jan Sunvai' programme at her official residence in the national capital's Civil Lines, according to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The attack was allegedly carried out by 41-year old Rajesh Khimji, a resident of Rajkot in Gujarat. He handed some papers to the chief minister before assaulting her.

He has been detained and is being interrogated, police sources said.

An eyewitness to the attack said, “I was there for the Jan Sunwai, and suddenly there was chaos. Suddenly there was an attack on the CM; the attacker seemed to have been prepared. This is a very shameful act.”

Senior police officials, including DCP North Raja Banthia, also reached the spot to assess the situation.

Providing an update on her health, BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva told reporters that the CM is fine and sustained a minor injury on her forehead. A team of doctors is attending to her. He further added that the CM will continue with her scheduled programs. Sachdeva also alleges that a probe will reveal the motive behind the attack, as the CM was popular among the citizens and this attack could be an effort to destabilize the Jan Sunvai.

Following the attack, politicians across the city condemned the attack. Her colleague, minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, condemned the attack.

“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on Hon’ble CM @gupta_rekha Ji during a public hearing. Her fearless connect with people and unwavering commitment to public service clearly unsettles the opposition, which is stooping to such shameful tactics. Wishing her strength, safety and a speedy recovery,” he posted on X.

LoP Atishi also condemned the attack.

“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. It is hoped that the Delhi Police will take the strictest action against the culprits. It is hoped that the Chief Minister is completely safe,” she posted on X.

Echoing similar sentiments, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav also condemned the attack and said, “Those responsible must face strict punishment, but this also shows that no one is safe in Delhi, not just women, but anyone. The kind of behavior and tragic incident Rekha has faced must be strongly condemned. I want to warn that it is time to wake up, and Delhi’s laws and women’s safety must be prioritised.”