Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to resume her "Jan Sunwai" (public hearing) program from Wednesday at her camp office, with significantly enhanced security measures in place following a recent attack. The program, which allows the Chief Minister to directly interact with the public, address their grievances, and provide assistance, was temporarily suspended after an incident on August 20 involving an attacker.
In response to the attack, the Delhi Police have implemented a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety of the Chief Minister and the public attending the "Jan Sunwai". The security arrangements include the deployment of plain-clothed policemen, the use of a facial recognition system to verify the identities of attendees, and armed police forming an inner security circle around the Chief Minister. Ten police personnel will also be present in the outer ring to maintain close proximity to her. The venue will be monitored via CCTV cameras, and all attendees will be frisked with metal detectors. Instructions have been issued to prevent unnecessary movement of people during the Chief Minister's attendance to avoid overcrowding. Each person present at the event will be verified, and their grievance will be noted down before their interaction with Gupta.
The attack on August 20 involved a man identified as Rajesh Sakariya, originally from Rajkot, Gujarat, who assaulted the Chief Minister during a "Jan Sunwai" at her camp office in the Civil Lines area. He approached her under the guise of a petitioner before attacking her. Following the incident, Sakariya was arrested, and an investigation was launched. An associate of Sakariya, who allegedly financed and coordinated the attack, has also been arrested. The investigation is ongoing, with police questioning individuals connected to Sakariya to determine the motive and uncover any further involvement.
The incident prompted a review of the Chief Minister's security protocol. Initially, the Union Home Ministry assigned Z-category security with CRPF personnel. However, the Delhi Police have since taken over and enhanced the cover to Z+ level, deploying over 40 personnel to guard the CM. The security system now uses a two-circle model. The inner circle includes two armed bodyguards and other guards providing 360-degree watch, while the outer circle manages crowd control, frisking, and public access.
The Delhi government is also developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for conducting "Jan Sunwai" programs in all 70 assembly constituencies. This aims to streamline public grievances, ensure the presence of relevant officials, and enhance security measures for all involved. The "Jan Sunwai" at the CM's camp office will continue, with plans to hold at least one "Jan Sunwai" per week in each constituency. The first such public hearing is expected to be held in the next couple of weeks, with officials from relevant departments in attendance. The SOP will provide clear instructions for officers and define security arrangements.
In light of the attack, designated officers from Delhi government departments and local bodies have been directed to attend the "Jan Sunwai" camps, with disciplinary action threatened for those who skip without prior approval from the District Magistrate. The Chief Minister has emphasized the importance of direct dialogue with the public and has made it clear that sending representatives or subordinate staff is not acceptable.
