CRPF takes over protection duties following assault during ‘Jan Sunvai’
New Delhi, 19 August 2025: The Central government has granted Z-category security to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following a shocking incident in which she was allegedly attacked during a public grievance hearing, Jan Sunvai, earlier this week.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) formally took over her security detail from the Delhi Police on Thursday morning.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday during one of Gupta’s regular outreach sessions, has sparked serious concerns over the safety of elected representatives, especially in politically sensitive environments like Delhi. According to officials, additional CRPF deployment has been stationed at both her official residence and office to ensure 24x7 protection.
Z-category security typically includes a team of 20-25 personnel, including armed commandos, close protection officers, drivers, and an escort convoy. This level of cover is reserved for individuals facing serious security threats.
Heightened threat perception prompts swift response from Centre
Gupta, who assumed office as Delhi's Chief Minister on 20 February 2025, has made public accessibility a cornerstone of her governance, holding frequent Jan Sunvai events to hear citizens' grievances directly. While her approach has been widely appreciated, Wednesday’s attack by a man identified as Rajesh Khimji has brought renewed scrutiny to the security arrangements at such open forums.
Khimji was produced before a Delhi court shortly after the incident and has been remanded to five days in police custody. Investigations into his motive are ongoing.
Security agencies had reportedly been reviewing Gupta’s protection for some time, but the incident accelerated the Centre’s decision to act immediately.
The move reflects broader concerns over the safety of public officials, as multiple incidents of violence and threats against politicians have been reported across the country in recent months.