Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has resumed her public engagements, meeting with Union Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) a day after being attacked during a public hearing at her residence. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, led to her hospitalization with injuries to her hand and head.
Following the attack, an attempt to murder case was filed against the assailant, identified as Rajesh Sakriya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat. He has been charged with attacking a public servant and obstructing a public servant. Preliminary investigations, including CCTV footage analysis, suggest the attack was premeditated, with the attacker allegedly conducting reconnaissance of the Chief Minister's residence in advance. Sakriya is currently being jointly interrogated by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Delhi Police's Special Cell.
Despite the ordeal, Chief Minister Gupta has asserted her unwavering resolve to serve the people. In her first public statement after the attack, she conveyed that such "cowardly attempts" would not deter her from addressing public concerns and continuing her work with even greater dedication. She also urged her supporters not to visit her, assuring them she would soon return to work.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Gupta made her first appearance since the attack, hosting Union Minister Harsh Malhotra and all seven Delhi BJP MPs at her residence. The meeting served as an opportunity for the leaders to check on her condition and express their support. A photo from the meeting has surfaced, showing the Chief Minister engaged in discussions with the visiting dignitaries.
The attack on Chief Minister Gupta has drawn condemnation from various political leaders, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi, who stated that there is no place for violence in a democracy. BJP leaders have also alleged a potential political conspiracy behind the attack, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the motives and individuals involved.
In response to the incident, security measures have been reviewed and heightened at the Chief Minister's residence and during public engagements. The Delhi Police are conducting a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the attack, including potential security lapses and the attacker's background and affiliations.
Chief Minister Gupta has a tradition of holding 'Jan Sunwai' meetings at her residence every week to address public concerns. Following the attack, she has reiterated her commitment to continuing these public hearings with the same seriousness and dedication. The Chief Minister's office has emphasized that efforts to address people's grievances will not be compromised by the incident.