New Delhi – August 21, 2025:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public hearing on Wednesday, sparking major security concerns. The attacker, identified as Rajesh Khimji from Gujarat, told police he was influenced by a video on social media before deciding to assault the Chief Minister.
According to eyewitnesses, Rajesh suddenly slapped Rekha Gupta, grabbed her by the hair, and pushed her to the ground before security personnel managed to overpower him. The Chief Minister was rescued after a brief struggle. Police have launched an investigation to determine whether this was a lone act or part of a larger conspiracy.
Rajesh, a 7th-grade dropout and an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, has five prior criminal cases against him, including charges related to liquor smuggling. During questioning, he claimed he was provoked after watching a video in which the Chief Minister spoke about stray dogs. However, investigators suspect there may be deeper reasons behind the assault.
Police revealed that Rajesh had carefully planned his trip:\n- He first visited the Mahakal temple in Ujjain before traveling onward.\n- On Monday, he boarded a train to Delhi and arrived on Tuesday.\n- After visiting Hanuman Mandir in Karol Bagh, he spotted a poster with Rekha Gupta’s photo.\n- He then located her residence, took pictures, and expressed his wish to meet her.\n- Learning that she conducts daily morning public hearings at her camp office, he decided to strike the next day.\n\nRajesh stayed overnight at the Gujarati Samaj Bhavan in Civil Lines and reached the CM’s office early in the morning. Witnesses said he positioned himself in the second row during the hearing and attacked suddenly when close enough.
Police are now probing whether Rajesh acted on his own or if he was influenced or supported by others. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a wider plot. Meanwhile, security around the Chief Minister has been significantly tightened, and her future public hearings may see stricter access controls.