NEW DELHI: The man who attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta told a friend in Gujarat about his plan. Police said the friend sent him ₹2,000 online before the attack.
The accused, 39-year-old auto driver Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakriya, was arrested at the scene. A Delhi court sent him to five days of police custody.
Police went to Rajkot on Thursday to question people Sakriya contacted. They spoke to four or five people, including the friend who admitted knowing about the attack. “We brought the friend to Delhi for further questioning,” said a police officer.
Sakriya first said he attacked the CM to seek justice for a jailed relative. Later, he said he acted because of the Supreme Court’s recent order on street dogs. He told police he cares for 150–200 dogs in Rajkot and felt upset about how animals were treated in Delhi. He also claimed he had visions that told him to act for the animals.
Police seized his mobile phone and checked his calls, browsing history, and money transfers. They confirmed the ₹2,000 transfer from his friend. Police may now charge the friend under criminal conspiracy laws.
Police also tracked Sakriya’s movements before the attack. On August 17, he went to Ujjain and later travelled to Delhi without a ticket or luggage. He first visited a Hanuman temple, then stayed at a guesthouse near the CM’s residence. He checked in at 2:52 pm on August 19 and left just after 7:25 am on the day of the assault.
After the incident, officials increased security at the CM’s residence. CRPF personnel now manage the premises, and authorities will review public meetings to prevent future incidents.