Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said after the attack that it was a cowardly attempt to break her resolve to serve the people of Delhi and work for their welfare.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister shared her strong reaction after the incident during a public grievance forum (Jansunwai session), where she was meeting citizens. She stated that such attacks will never break her spirit to serve the people and called the incident a cowardly attempt to weaken her resolve to work for Delhi’s welfare.
In her message, originally written in Hindi and shared on social media, Gupta said:
“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. Naturally, I was in shock after the attack, but I am now feeling better.”
She further added:
“Such attacks can never break my spirit or my resolve to serve the people. Now I will be among you with even more energy and dedication than before. Public hearings and the resolution of people's problems will continue with the same seriousness and commitment as always. Your trust and support are my greatest strength.”
The accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Kimjibhai, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, was detained and is being jointly interrogated by the Delhi Police Special Cell. According to a senior police officer, the attack took place around 8:15 AM.
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma stated that the Chief Minister sustained injuries to her shoulder and head. Reviewing CCTV footage, Delhi Police said that the assault and subsequent security action lasted just under two minutes.
The investigation revealed that the accused broke the queue, approached the Chief Minister with documents, and then suddenly slapped her, causing her to stumble against a wall. He then pulled her by the hair before being overpowered by Gupta’s security staff and others present.
Sources added that Sakriya had conducted a recce of the Chief Minister’s Civil Lines residence a day earlier and had even spent the night nearby before targeting her during the public hearing. Meanwhile, the accused’s mother claimed that her son had travelled to Delhi to protest against the Supreme Court’s recent order on stray dogs.