Charges Framed in CM Rekha Gupta Attack Case
Court sets February 28 for CM’s testimony, orders in-camera proceedings
- Delhi court frames attempt-to-murder charges against two accused
- Rekha Gupta summoned to testify on February 28
- Court orders in-camera hearings for privacy and security
- Accused plead not guilty to all charges
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th Dec: A Delhi court on Friday formally framed charges, including attempt to murder, against two men accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public event earlier this year, setting the stage for trial.
The accused — Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and Tahsin Raza Rafiullah Shaikh — pleaded not guilty when they were physically produced before Additional Sessions Judge Ekta Gauba Mann.
The court summoned Chief Minister Gupta to record her testimony at 2 pm on February 28 and directed that all her future depositions be conducted in-camera to prevent overcrowding and protect her privacy, noting that she is a public servant, a woman and a public figure.
Earlier, on December 20, the court had ordered framing of charges after finding a prima facie case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy (Section 61(2)), obstructing a public servant (Section 221), using criminal force on a public servant (Section 132) and attempt to murder (Section 109(1)).
The court also directed the concerned jail superintendent to conduct a medical examination of Khimjibhai after he complained of deteriorating eyesight and sought new spectacles.
Gupta was attacked during a Jan Sunwai programme at her camp office in Civil Lines on August 20, with her office terming it a well-planned conspiracy to kill her.
According to the prosecution, Khimjibhai, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, Gujarat, and Shaikh had conspired to execute the attack. Investigators said the two met in Rajkot, where Shaikh allegedly transferred ₹2,000 to Khimjibhai to help plan the assault.
On October 18, Delhi Police filed a 400-page chargesheet against the duo under various provisions, including attempt to murder, assaulting and obstructing a public servant, and criminal conspiracy.
