New Delhi, August 21, 2025 – A Delhi court has remanded 41-year-old Rajesh Sakriya Khimjibhai to five days of police custody after he allegedly attacked Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing at her Civil Lines residence.
According to police, the incident took place on Wednesday morning when Khimjibhai entered the Chief Minister’s ‘Jan Sunwai’ session posing as a complainant. He reportedly slapped Gupta, grabbed her hair, and attempted to push her to the ground before security personnel restrained him.
Gupta sustained injuries to her head, shoulders, and hands. PWD minister Parvesh Verma described the assault as “life-threatening,” while minister Kapil Mishra said it was “not an ordinary attack,” pointing to the assailant’s deliberate actions.
Police Investigation Underway
Khimjibhai has been booked under attempt-to-murder provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Delhi Police, along with the Intelligence Bureau and the Special Cell, are investigating the case. Officials revealed that CCTV footage from Gupta’s residence in Shalimar Bagh showed the accused conducting a recce a day before the attack, recording visuals and making preparations.
Sources said Khimjibhai arrived in Delhi from Rajkot, Gujarat, two days earlier and was staying in the Civil Lines area. Two videos of the ‘Jan Sunwai’ programme were also found on his mobile phone.
While the accused told police he was disturbed by a recent Supreme Court order on stray dogs, investigators are examining whether a larger conspiracy was involved.
Troubled Past and “Dog Lover” Image
Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagdish Bangarva confirmed that Khimjibhai has a history of run-ins with the law. Between 2017 and 2024, five FIRs were filed against him in Rajkot, including cases of assault, criminal intimidation, and liquor-related offences. Most ended in acquittals, though one liquor case remains pending.
Despite this record, neighbours described him as someone deeply devoted to stray dogs. They said he often rescued injured strays, ferried them to hospitals, and fed them regularly. Police also learned he had spoken about setting up a shelter home and had even sought donations from an industrialist. His mother reiterated that he was a “dog lover” and denied any political motive behind the attack.
CM’s Response
Following the incident, CM Rekha Gupta called it a “cowardly attempt” to deter her but assured citizens that the ‘Jan Sunwai’ programme would continue without interruption.
Police have sent the accused for a medical examination and said further arrests are possible if more people are found to be linked to the assault.
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