‘Can Never Break My Spirit’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s Defiant First Reaction After Attack

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday evening issued a powerful first statement following a brazen attack on her during a public hearing, declaring that such “cowardly attempts” can “never break my spirit or my resolve to serve the people.” The assault, which took place during her morning ‘Jansunwai’ session, has triggered a high-level investigation and raised serious questions about the security of the city’s top elected official.

In a social media post, Gupta addressed the public directly, acknowledging the shock of the incident but expressing her determination to continue her work. “The attack on me during this morning’s public hearing was not just an attack on me, but a cowardly attempt on our resolve to serve Delhi and work for the welfare of the people,” she wrote. “Naturally, I was in shock after this attack, but now I am feeling better… Public hearings and the resolution of people’s problems will continue with the same seriousness and commitment as before. Your trust and support are my greatest strength.”

Chilling new details about the attack have emerged from police sources and CCTV footage. The assault reportedly lasted just 80 seconds. The accused, identified as Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, a 41-year-old from Rajkot, Gujarat, is said to have broken the queue, approached the Chief Minister with documents, and then slapped her, causing her to stumble.

He then allegedly pulled her by the hair before being overpowered by security personnel. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma confirmed that the Chief Minister sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder, and head.

The investigation has revealed that the attack may have been premeditated. Sources claim Sakriya conducted a reconnaissance of the Chief Minister’s residence a day earlier and even spent the night nearby. He is now undergoing a joint interrogation by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Delhi Police’s Special Cell.

A senior police official described the incident as a “serious attack” that could have been life-threatening, noting that the accused already has five criminal cases against him, including two for knife assault. While the attacker’s mother claimed he had traveled to Delhi to protest a Supreme Court order on stray dogs, his full motive remains under investigation.