In the wake of an attack during a public hearing, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that she will be expanding her "Jan Sunwai" program to every assembly constituency in Delhi. This decision comes after an incident on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, where a man attacked her during the weekly public hearing at her Civil Lines office.
The accused, Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakriya, 41, from Rajkot, Gujarat, allegedly approached Gupta under the guise of a complainant before attacking her. Sakriya is currently in five-day police custody, and the Delhi Police, along with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Special Cell, are investigating the case from all angles. Police have registered a case of attempt to murder against Sakriya.
Following the attack, Gupta addressed the public via a post on X, stating that the assault was a "cowardly attempt to shake our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people". She further added that the incident would not deter her from her duties and that she would resume working with even more energy and dedication.
Gupta also shared a personal anecdote, recalling a lesson from her father after she was involved in a car accident during her college days. Her father had encouraged her not to give up out of fear, a lesson that she says resonates with her current situation. "Accidents happen in life, but you mustn't stop out of fear. You can't give up walking on the road," she quoted her father as saying.
The decision to extend public hearings across Delhi signifies Gupta's commitment to serving the people despite the security concerns. "Now, public hearings will not only take place at my home but in every assembly constituency in Delhi. Your Chief Minister, at your doorstep," she declared.
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders. Former Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi stated that there is no place for violence in a democracy. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, who met Gupta after the attack, condemned the incident and criticized the security arrangements.
In the aftermath of the attack, Satish Golcha has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police of Delhi, succeeding SBK Singh. The Centre has also granted Z-category CRPF security to Chief Minister Gupta.
CCTV footage has emerged showing Sakriya conducting a recce outside Gupta's Shalimar Bagh residence before the attack. The footage, which has been handed over to the police, shows him seemingly tracking Gupta's movements. Rajkot police have questioned Sakriya's mother, who claimed to be unaware of his visit to Delhi. Police records indicate 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.
