Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was allegedly assaulted by a Gujarati man during her public hearing at her camp office in Civil Lines area, said on Wednesday that such attacks can never weaken her resolve to serve people, adding that her ‘Jan Sunwai’ (public hearing) programme would continue as usual.
In a statement posted on X, 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,” she said on X.
The Delhi CM said that she was shocked initially but was feeling better now. She also requested her well-wishers not to trouble themselves by coming to meet her.
“I will soon be seen working among you again,” she assured her supporters.
The Chief Minister further stated that such attacks can “never break my spirit and resolve to serve 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 before,” she added.
Her attacker, a 41-year old man from Gujarat’s Rajkot was arrested by the police from the spot. He has been identified as Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and he is currently being jointly interrogated by IB and Delhi Police.
A case of attempt to murder has also been registered against the accused man and further investigation is on.
Meanwhile, Sakriya’s mother has claimed that her son was a dog lover and was upset with the recent Supreme Court order on removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, suggesting this could be the motive behind the attack.
“He loves dogs, cows and birds. That is why he was upset after the SC said all the stray dogs in Delhi should be captured,” his mother told reporters.
“He went to Haridwar a few days back and then told us over phone that he will go to Delhi to participate in protests in support of dogs,” she added.