Delhi Chief Minister Reportedly Attacked by Dog Lover Angry Over SC’s Stray-Dog Ruling

New Delhi Chronicle Desk

Delhi , August 20: In a startling turn of events on August 20, 2025, a 41-year-old man from Rajkot, Gujarat, identified as Rajesh Khimji Bhai Sakriya, assaulted Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a public hearing held at her Civil Lines office. The accused, described by his mother as a fervent animal lover, was reportedly enraged by a recent Supreme Court order mandating the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR and their relocation to shelters.

Eyewitnesses recounted that during the “Jan Sunwai” event, Sakriya approached the CM with some documents before suddenly grabbing her hand and causing a scuffle. While some attendees suggested she was slapped, senior BJP leaders later clarified she was left shaken but unharmed.

Further investigation revealed that Sakriya may have conducted reconnaissance of the CM’s residence the day before the incident, as captured on CCTV footage released by the CM’s office. He is believed to have spent the night nearby before making his move.

According to his mother, Bhanuben, the attack was not politically motivated. She said her son “loves dogs, cows, and birds” and was deeply disturbed by the court’s directive regarding stray dogs. She dismissed suggestions of any political affiliations or ulterior motives.

Expanding on his background, local authorities in Rajkot noted Sakriya is an auto-rickshaw driver known for his devotion to animals—so much so that he built a small “dog temple” in his neighborhood and routinely tended to ailing strays. Records also show he had been booked under various charges in the past, although he was acquitted in most of those cases.

Delhi Police have taken Sakriya into custody and registered a case under sections including attempt to murder, assault on a public servant, and obstruction of duty. Senior officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner and Chief Secretary, visited the site following the incident.

The Supreme Court order that appears to have triggered this extreme response instructed the Delhi and MCD authorities to clear stray dogs from public spaces and transfer them to monitored shelters. The court cited public safety concerns—particularly the rise in dog-bite incidents and related rabies cases—while rejecting emotional or ideological opposition as valid grounds for defiance.

Summary Table

Aspect Details
What happened Assault on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta at a public hearing by a man upset over SC’s stray-dog ruling.
Who is the accused Rajesh Khimji Bhai Sakriya (41), a rickshaw driver from Rajkot, known animal lover.
Motivation Anger over Supreme Court’s order to remove stray dogs to shelters; no evidence of political agenda.
Police action Accused detained; FIR filed under serious charges including attempted murder and assault.
Broader context Tensions rising over stray-dog policies in Delhi; court emphasizing public safety over activism.