In a dramatic escalation of the probe into the knife attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, police have arrested Tahseen Syed, a close associate of the primary accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya.
Officers confirmed that Tahseen was apprehended in Rajkot, Gujarat, and transported to Delhi late on Friday night. He now faces charges of criminal conspiracy and aiding an attempted murder.
Investigators allege that Tahseen played a crucial role in supporting Rajesh’s plan to assassinate the Chief Minister.
Sources revealed that Rajesh remained in constant contact with Tahseen in the days leading up to the attack. Records show that Tahseen transferred ₹2,000 to Rajesh, believed to be financial backing for the assault.
The attack occurred on 20 August during Gupta’s weekly Jan Sunwai session at her Civil Lines residence.
Rajesh, an auto-rickshaw driver from Rajkot with a history of criminal charges, initially visited the Supreme Court premises but abandoned the plan due to heavy security. He later redirected himself to the Chief Minister’s Shalimar Bagh residence.
According to police sources, Rajesh intended to use a knife in the attack. However, faced with heightened security, he allegedly discarded the weapon in the Civil Lines area before entering the premises.
Police teams are now searching for the knife, which is regarded as a vital piece of evidence.
Tahseen’s arrest is being viewed as a breakthrough, with officials describing the case as a ‘premeditated and coordinated conspiracy’.
His interrogation is ongoing, with investigators scrutinising call records, digital communications and financial transactions to determine the extent of his involvement.
Authorities also suspect a wider network, with several individuals under the scanner in both Delhi and Rajkot.
Both Rajesh and Tahseen are expected to be presented in court on Monday, where police will seek extended custody to recover the missing weapon and delve deeper into the conspiracy.
The incident has reignited debate over the safety of public officials, especially during open-access events like Jan Sunwai.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who escaped serious harm, responded with resolve, “Such attacks will never shake my resolve. I remain dedicated to serving the people of Delhi with courage and transparency.”
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