Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was injured in an assault by 41-year-old Rajesh Khimji Sakaria from Rajkot, Gujarat, during a public hearing (‘Jan Sunwai’) at her residence on Wednesday morning. She is currently receiving medical treatment. In a significant development, according to the Gujarati Publisher ‘Sandesh’ the accused’s mother reportedly revealed to the media the motive behind the attack. She stated that Rajesh, a passionate dog lover, acted out of anger over the controversial issue of sending dogs to shelter homes, a topic sparking heated debate in Delhi.

“My son loves dogs. He was angry after the Supreme Court’s order against stray dogs. And left for Delhi soon after. We don’t know anything else,”

Some reports say Sakariya also wanted the CM’s help for a relative who was arrested. But his family says the main reason for his actions was his anger about how stray dogs are treated.

Delhi CM’s Jan Sunvai’

The meeting began at 7 am, with citizens presenting their problems to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta one by one. Around 8 am, Rajesh Khimji Sakariya approached the CM, handed her a paper, shouted, and then allegedly slapped her, pulled her hair, and abused her. Security personnel quickly restrained him, and he was arrested on the spot. He was taken into custody and shifted to the Civil Lines police station, where questioning is underway, while Delhi Police are verifying his personal details with help from Gujarat authorities. Following the incident, CM Gupta was taken for a medical check-up.

Gupta did not have any serious injury, but Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said she was “shaken” though safe. He denied that the CM was slapped or hit. He said it looked more like a scuffle when the man tried to pull her.

Delhi Police Commissioner SBK Singh visited the spot and confirmed that Sakriya is being interrogated. An official statement from the police is expected soon.