New Delhi: A day after the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) formally took charge of her security, elevating her protection to the Z-category level.
According to officials, the transition of responsibility from the Delhi Police to the CRPF began on Thursday morning and was likely to be completed within hours. Under the new arrangement, Delhi Police will continue to manage the outer ring of security around the Chief Minister’s residence, while the CRPF will directly oversee her immediate and personal protection. Additional commandos have also been deployed to ensure 24×7 surveillance.
The decision followed Wednesday’s incident at Gupta’s camp office in Civil Lines, where she was assaulted during a public grievance programme. The Chief Minister later described the attack as a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at eliminating her.
Police have identified the accused as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakriya, a 41-year-old from Rajkot, Gujarat. He was arrested soon after the incident and has been charged with attempted murder, assaulting a public servant, and obstruction of duty. Investigators revealed that Sakriya arrived in Delhi two days earlier and had been staying near Civil Lines.
Sources said he reached the CM’s office around 7:30 am on Wednesday, carrying documents linked to a relative lodged in Tihar Jail. Officials believe he wanted to press the Chief Minister for his relative’s release. However, the accused’s mother offered a different account, claiming her son had travelled to Delhi to raise concerns about stray dogs. She also alleged that he has a history of mental health issues and has been violent toward family members in the past.
Meanwhile, Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma confirmed that the Chief Minister sustained injuries to her hand, shoulder, and head in the attack but is now recovering.
The CRPF currently protects several of India’s top political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and members of the Gandhi family, who are covered under Z and Z-plus categories. Officials said Rekha Gupta’s upgraded security will remain in place as investigations into the assault continue.
