Delhi chief minister injured in attack at public meeting; suspect detained
The attack occurred during a weekly “Jansunwai” meeting, where the Indian Chief Minister meets residents to address local concerns
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was injured on Tuesday during a public hearing at her residence when a man allegedly attacked her, Delhi police said.
Gupta sustained injuries to her hand and head. Security personnel at the event immediately detained the suspect, identified by authorities as Rajesh Sakriya, in his 40s and originally from Rajkot, Gujarat. He is being questioned, police said.
The attack occurred during a weekly "Jansunwai" meeting, where the Indian Chief Minister meets residents to address local concerns. Eyewitnesses said the suspect approached Gupta with papers and suddenly attacked her, says NDTV.
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Senior BJP leaders and top Delhi police officers rushed to the residence to secure the premises. Preliminary reports cited the suspect's mother as saying he was distressed over a Supreme Court ruling concerning the relocation of stray dogs in the Delhi NCR region.
BJP leaders suggested a political motive may have been involved. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said an investigation is under way to determine if rivals were behind the attack.
Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Chief Minister Atishi condemned the incident, calling for strict action against those responsible. "In a democracy, there is a place for disagreement and protest, but there is no place for violence," she said.
Delhi Police said a formal inquiry would investigate how the security breach occurred. Commissioner SBK Singh is overseeing the probe.
