Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Slapped During Public Hearing; Attacker Detained

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted during a public hearing at her Civil Lines residence on the morning of August 20, 2025. The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. when a man identified as Rajesh Sakriya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat, suddenly approached her during a 'Jan Sunwai' (public hearing) event.

According to eyewitnesses and officials, the attacker handed over a piece of paper to the Chief Minister, spoke loudly with expletives, and then proceeded to slap her. Subsequently, he pulled her hair and pushed her, causing injuries to her hand and head. Security personnel swiftly intervened, detaining the man on the spot.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was immediately hospitalized for treatment of her injuries. The incident is being treated as an attempted murder case, with additional charges including assaulting a public servant and obstructing official duties.

Preliminary investigations, aided by CCTV footage, indicate that the attacker had surveilled the Chief Minister's residence at least 24 hours before the attack, suggesting premeditation. Police are conducting a detailed inquiry into the security lapse that allowed the assailant to come so close to the Chief Minister.

The accused has reportedly expressed anger over a recent Supreme Court order concerning the rounding up of stray dogs in the Delhi NCR region, which may have motivated his actions. His mother identified him as a dog lover upset by the ruling.

Delhi Police Commissioner S.B.K. Singh is personally overseeing the investigation. The incident has caused widespread condemnation, including from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which called it a "mishap" but emphasized that security protocols will be reviewed.

This assault adds to a history of attacks on Indian political leaders during public appearances, raising concerns regarding the safety of elected officials. It also focuses attention on the challenges of security management during open public interactions.