New Delhi – In a significant public return following the shocking assault on her during a grievance hearing, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stepped out on Friday to attend a scheduled program at Ashok Bazaar in Gandhi Nagar. This marked her first appearance since the attack that took place at her Civil Lines residence on August 21.
Ahead of her visit, Gandhi Nagar Market was turned into a security fortress. Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were heavily deployed across the area, with several shops temporarily shuttered as a precautionary measure. Multiple checkpoints were set up, and vehicular and pedestrian movement was closely monitored. Locals described the situation as “tense but orderly,” with traffic diversions causing some disruptions.
The high-security arrangements come in the wake of a disturbing incident during a ‘Jan Sunvai’ (public grievance hearing) at CM Gupta’s Civil Lines residence, where she was allegedly slapped and physically assaulted by a man identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya.
In response, security at the Chief Minister’s residence has been significantly strengthened, with CRPF personnel now stationed for 24×7 protection.
The attack has sent ripples through Delhi’s political landscape. Prominent leaders including Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia, Praveen Khandelwal, and Bansuri Swaraj have since visited CM Gupta to express solidarity and inquire about her recovery.
Meanwhile, Rajesh Bhai, the accused in the assault, was produced in court on Thursday and remanded to five days of police custody. He faces serious charges under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder (Section 109), obstruction of a public servant (Section 132), and impeding public duties (Section 221).
Adding complexity to the ongoing investigation, CCTV footage from August 19 has emerged, showing Rajesh arriving at CM Gupta’s private residence in Shalimar Bagh on a cycle rickshaw. In the video, he is seen entering and exiting the premises multiple times, allegedly conducting a reconnaissance mission.
Sources claim that staff at the Shalimar Bagh residence provided him with a slip containing details of the Civil Lines address and the ‘Jan Sunvai’ schedule — information that may have facilitated the planning and execution of the assault.
As the investigation unfolds, questions are being raised about lapses in security protocols and the access granted to individuals at official events. The Delhi Police is expected to submit a preliminary report in the coming days.
For now, CM Gupta’s return to public life signals resilience amid adversity — though the atmosphere remains charged and security remains on high alert across her engagements.
