Delhi Police descended on Rajkot, Gujarat, today, interrogating a web of individuals linked to the accused, Rajesh Sakaria. The 41-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Kotharia Road was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to murder Gupta during her 'Jan Sunwai' programme in Delhi’s Civil Lines. The investigation has now uncovered a trail of contacts, with police questioning five associates, including one who sent Sakaria Rs 2,000 via GPay, hinting at a possible conspiracy behind the shocking attack.

Sakaria’s motive appears tied to his passion for stray dogs, inflamed by the Supreme Court’s recent order to relocate them to shelters. He traveled to Delhi via Ujjain on August 19 to join a protest, staying in touch with his Rajkot network. His mother, Bhanuben, confirmed his distress over the ruling, portraying him as a devoted animal lover. However, his past tells a darker story—five FIRs lodged between 2017 and 2024 at Bhaktinagar police station reveal a history of assault, criminal intimidation, and liquor-related offenses.

The probe intensified as Delhi Police detained a friend of Sakaria in Rajkot for allegedly funding him, while tracking ten others through call and message records. One suspect is slated to be brought to Delhi by evening, and statements from five more individuals, identified via Sakaria’s phone data, are being recorded. Despite the initial questioning, no arrests were made, though the GPay sender received a notice to appear for further scrutiny.

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Undeterred, Gupta vowed to persist in serving Delhi, announcing expanded public hearings across all assembly constituencies. Enhanced with Z-category CRPF security following the attack, she shared a defiant message on X, highlighting women’s resilience. With the Intelligence Bureau and Rajkot Police aiding the investigation, the unfolding case promises to reveal whether this was a lone act or part of a broader plot, keeping the nation on edge as details emerge.

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