'Ignored my pleas on stray dogs’: Man who attacked Delhi CM Rekha Gupta to police

Srinagar, Aug 21: Rajesh Sakariya, who was arrested for attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public hearing yesterday, told police he acted out of anger after she allegedly ignored his pleas against the removal of stray dogs from the capital.

According to Delhi Police sources, the 41-year-old from Rajkot, Gujarat, has made a series of bizarre claims about what led him to Delhi and why he targeted the Chief Minister.

Sakariya has said he is a devotee of Lord Shiva, and he asked him to travel to Ujjain, and then to Delhi to seek the Chief Minister's help regarding the Supreme Court ruling to round up stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and shift them to shelters away from residential areas.

The Chief Minister had earlier said that stray dog attacks have been troubling Delhi residents for quite some time now. "This problem has taken a formidable form and is now standing before Delhi, and providing a solution is very important. We will prepare a proper plan on this issue," the Chief Minister had said after the top court order.

According to an NDTV report police records show that Sakariya faces multiple cases, most of them linked to liquor smuggling in dry Gujarat. While he has been acquitted in several, some remain pending. Among the charges he has faced is one related to causing hurt.

Mr. Mishra said the Chief Minister has continued to work despite the assault. “Right now, she needs rest and recovery as the physical injuries are serious, and the mental impact is also there. This was not an ordinary incident; it was highly unusual. Still, the Chief Minister continues to work,” he said.

The Chief Minister sustained injuries after Sakariya allegedly slapped, pushed, and pulled her hair during a Jan Sunwai (public hearing) meeting.