'Matter of lives of 3 lakh dogs': What Delhi CM 'attacker' told police; forensic team to examine phone

NEW DELHI: The man accused of attacking Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta during her weekly Jan Sunwai programme on Wednesday has told police that his actions were linked to the “lives of three lakh dogs in Delhi,” according to sources. Investigators said the claim is being verified as part of an ongoing probe.

Police officials said the accused, identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Sakriya Khimjibhai from Rajkot, Gujarat, is currently in five-day police custody. The Delhi Police, along with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Special Cell are investigating the case from all possible angles. His phone is being examined by forensic experts and police are scrutinising his social media accounts for any leads.

Officers said they will also take Khimjibhai to every location he visited in Delhi. Whatever the accused has revealed during interrogation is being checked. The Delhi Police are also in touch with the Rajkot police.

The assault took place on Wednesday morning at CM's Civil Lines camp office during a public interaction session. According to the Delhi CMO, the attack appeared to be part of a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.” Gupta was taken to hospital for a medical examination following the incident.

An attempt-to-murder case under Sections 109(1), 132, and 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered against the accused. Police records show Khimjibhai has a criminal history and was previously booked in five cases, including a knife attack.

In a post on X after the incident, CM Gupta described the assault as a “cowardly attempt” not just on her, but on her government’s commitment to serve the people. She added that while she was initially shaken but is now recovering and will soon resume her duties.