The first photograph of the man who allegedly attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during an event earlier today was accessed by Times Now. CM Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked during a 'Jan
Sunwai' programme at her official residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning. The accused has been detained, and he is being interrogated, officials said. The man had been identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji (41). He is a resident of Gujarat's Rajkot district, sources told Times Now. The man first gave CM Rekha Gupta some papers during the public hearing and then allegedly attacked her, sources said. He had come with an application to get a relative released from jail, whose case is ongoing in court. He was identified by the police and was detained for questioning. Several senior officials are on the spot, and further inquiry is underway to assess the motive behind the attack. The incident occurred at Gupta’s camp office at 2/8 Raj Niwas Marg, where the Jan Sunwai is held every Wednesday. The programme, which begins at 7 am, saw the Chief Minister arriving around 7:30 am to meet citizens one by one.
"A person attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during 'Jan Sunwai' today. Delhi Police has detained the accused and is questioning him," The Chief Minister's Office said in a statement.
The security at the camp office has been beefed up and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been informed about the incident, officials said.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva "strongly" condemned the "attack" on the chief minister during her weekly 'Jan Sunwai' programme, said the Delhi BJP said in a message. "The police is investigating about the attacker... he took advantage of the situation as our CM interacts with people during 'Jan Sunwai'. He grabbed CM's hand and tried to pull her... Our CM is hardworking and strong woman... she will continue her work. She will continue to serve Delhi like she has been doing so far. Let the investigation be done..." Sachdeva told PTI.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the attack on the chief minister. "She worries about Delhi. This is distressing for her detractors. I condemn the attack on her in the strongest words," Sirsa said.
Former Delhi chief minister and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Atishi also condemned the incident and hoped the chief minister was safe and the police will take strong action against the guilty.
