The attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the 'Jan Sunwai' program at her Civil Lines camp office on August 20 shook political and security circles. The attacker was immediately apprehended by the Delhi Police, identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakaria from Gujarat.
Exclusive details have emerged on the travel of the accused from Rajkot to various locations before arriving in Delhi. Findings from the investigation and statements from the accused have further complicated the case.
'Reached Delhi Without a Ticket'
According to available information, Rajesh Bhai left Rajkot on August 17 and boarded the Indore-Gandhi Nagar Express train from Ahmedabad to Ujjain. On August 18, he visited the Mahakal, Kal Bhairav, and Mahalakshmi temples in Ujjain. On the same evening, he boarded the Indore-New Delhi Express train without a ticket, arriving at New Delhi Railway Station at 6:30 AM on August 19.
Upon reaching Delhi, Rajesh Bhai visited the Hanuman Temple in Karol Bagh, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. During questioning, he claimed he was planning a protest hunger strike outside the Chief Minister's residence. In Karol Bagh, he inquired about the location of the CM's residence and reached Shalimar Bagh via metro. From there, he took an auto-rickshaw for 50 rupees to the private residence of the Chief Minister in Shalimar Bagh.
'Stayed at Gujarati Bhavan'
Upon reaching the CM's residence, Rajesh Bhai requested a meeting with Rekha Gupta. The staff informed him that the Chief Minister meets the public during 'Jan Sunwai' from 8:30 to 9:30 AM on Wednesdays. He then moved from Shalimar Bagh to Civil Lines and stayed at Gujarati Bhavan. On August 20, during the public hearing, he arrived at the Civil Lines camp office and attacked the Chief Minister at approximately 8:15 AM, inflicting injuries on her hand, shoulder, and head.
'Has Previously Conducted Hunger Strikes'
During police interrogation, Rajesh Bhai made several startling claims. He shared that he had previously conducted hunger strikes in Gujarat for animal welfare. In May, he traveled to Ayodhya to protest for the well-being of monkeys.
During questioning, he claimed to the police that he dreamt of a Shivling with a dog atop it, which led him to believe that Lord Shiva had chosen him to advocate for dogs.
He also mentioned seeing a video discussing the creation of shelter homes for dogs in Delhi. Such statements have baffled the police, who are seeking the true motive behind his actions.
'Rajesh is Mentally Unstable'
The suspect's mother informed the Rajkot police that her son is mentally unstable and has a deep affection for dogs, cows, and birds.
She noted his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court's recent order regarding stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. However, the Delhi Police refuted these claims, stating that Rajesh lacked any complaint letter or related documents, as was initially suspected.
'I Was Shocked'
Following the attack, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta responded on X, stating, 'This morning's attack during the public hearing was not just against me, but a cowardly attempt against our dedication to serving Delhi and ensuring the welfare of its people. Initially, I was in shock, but now I am feeling better.'
The Investigation by IB and Delhi Police Begins
In this matter, the police have registered an FIR under sections 109(1) (attempt to murder), 132 (assault on a public servant), and 221 (obstructing a public servant from duty) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). Alongside Delhi Police, the IB team has also begun an investigation.
Initial investigations revealed the attacker had a long criminal history, with five cases registered against him in Gujarat, three related to liquor trafficking and two assault cases.
