The Union government has withdrawn the Z-category security cover provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, just days after it was approved following an attack on her.
According to official sources, responsibility for Gupta’s protection has once again been handed over to the Delhi Police. “Her security has been entrusted to the Delhi Police again,” a source said.
The move comes after Gupta, 51, was assaulted on August 20 during a public grievance hearing at her camp office in Civil Lines. Her office described the attack as part of a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.”
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Union Home Ministry had directed the CRPF’s VIP security wing to extend Z-category cover to her. However, before the formal orders could be issued, the Centre reversed its decision and withdrew the CRPF deployment.
Investigation into the Attack
The Delhi Police has arrested two people in connection with the incident, including the main accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimji, a 41-year-old autorickshaw driver from Rajkot, Gujarat.
Police records show that Khimji has multiple criminal cases registered against him between 2017 and 2024 at Bhaktinagar police station, including assault and liquor possession, apart from preventive actions for illicit activities. Investigators also suspect his involvement in local liquor smuggling.
He was remanded to five days’ police custody by a Delhi court. During questioning, Khimji claimed he had visited the CM’s office to raise concerns about stray dog issues. According to Rajkot Police, he had travelled to Delhi from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on August 19, allegedly to join a protest against a Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs.
Over 10 individuals, including Khimji’s relatives and acquaintances in Rajkot, are being questioned as part of the ongoing probe.
