Rajesh Sakriya, the man who attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing, has been sent to five-day police custody. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Gupta's Civil Lines Camp Office during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) meeting.

Sakriya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat, allegedly gained access to the office by posing as a complainant. Eyewitnesses stated that he approached Gupta with some papers and then attacked her around 8:30 am, shortly after the meeting commenced. Some reports indicate he attempted to pull her towards him, while others suggest he struck her. The Chief Minister sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder, and head.

Following the attack, Sakriya was immediately apprehended by the Chief Minister's security personnel. He is now facing charges under BNS sections 109 (1) (attempt to murder), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), and 221 (obstructing public servant). An FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines police station, and a further investigation is underway.

Delhi Police sources revealed that Sakriya's questioning and mobile phone records showed he had visited a temple in Ujjain before arriving in Delhi. According to a senior police officer, Sakriya saw Gupta's posters and a video reel where she discussed stray dogs, which prompted his decision to attack her.

Rajkot police officers reported that Sakriya has a criminal history, with five cases registered against him between 2017 and 2024, including charges of voluntarily causing hurt, drunken misconduct, and criminal intimidation.

Sakriya's mother, Bhanu Khimji Sakriya, told reporters that her son is a dog lover and was upset by the Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR and place them in shelters. She claimed he left for Delhi on Sunday, telling his father he was going "for the dogs". She also mentioned that he has a history of mental issues but is not on medication and has a tendency to become violent. According to her, Rajesh became agitated after watching videos on social media of stray dogs being taken away in Delhi. He drives a rickshaw and has a wife and son.

The attack has been widely condemned across the political spectrum. Former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi have stated that there is no place for violence in a democracy. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who met Gupta after the attack, said she was in a state of shock but stable.

Despite the attack, Chief Minister Gupta has affirmed her resolve to continue serving the people and stated that the Jan Sunwai program will continue. She described the attack as a "cowardly attempt" on her commitment to public service and expressed her gratitude for the support she has received.