New Delhi, August 20: In a shocking incident on Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a public hearing session in the capital. The attacker has been identified as Rajesh Sakriya, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat. He was immediately overpowered by security officials and taken into custody.
According to his family, Rajesh was a passionate dog lover who had been deeply disturbed by the Supreme Court’s recent directive ordering stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to be rounded up and shifted to shelters.
Family members described Rajesh as a calm and affectionate person with a special bond with animals, particularly dogs. They claimed he often rescued strays, fed them, and advocated for their protection. The Supreme Court’s order reportedly left him disheartened, as he believed it would strip stray dogs of their freedom and expose them to poor conditions in shelters.
During the Janata Darbar, Rajesh approached the Delhi CM carrying some documents. Eyewitnesses stated that he suddenly lunged forward and attacked her. Security personnel intervened immediately, preventing any serious harm. Rekha Gupta suffered minor injuries and was escorted to safety.
Officials later recovered documents related to legal appeals and animal rights from Rajesh’s possession. Police sources said the attack may have been a result of his frustration and emotional outburst over the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The incident sparked strong political reactions. Leaders across parties condemned the attack and stressed the need for stronger security arrangements for public representatives. At the same time, several animal welfare groups urged authorities to consider the concerns of citizens like Rajesh, who fear that the court’s directive could negatively affect the welfare of stray dogs.
Rajesh is currently in police custody and faces charges of assault and breach of security protocols. Investigators are examining whether the attack was premeditated or an impulsive reaction. His family has appealed for leniency, arguing that he acted out of emotional distress rather than intent to cause harm.
The episode has reignited the ongoing debate on stray dog management in urban areas. While many support the Supreme Court’s order as a necessary step to reduce dog attacks and improve public safety, animal rights activists argue that sterilization, vaccination, and community care are more humane solutions than relocation to shelters.
This incident not only highlights the sharp divide between public safety concerns and animal welfare advocacy but also underscores how deeply emotional the issue of stray dogs has become—sometimes leading to extreme consequences.
