The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to halt the ongoing trial against two men accused of attempting to murder Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public event in 2025. Justice Anup J. Bhambhani, while refusing a stay on the proceedings, emphasized the need for a swift forensic investigation into the defendants’ mobile devices to uncover the depth of the alleged conspiracy.
The court was hearing petitions filed by Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai and Tahsin Raza Rafiullah Shaikh. The duo challenged the framing of charges against them, which include attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and obstructing a public servant.
During the hearing, Justice Bhambhani directed the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Rohini to expedite the examination of the cell phones belonging to the accused. The court has sought a detailed report within four weeks.
The judge underscored the importance of digital evidence in the case, observing that a cell phone serves as a “repository of all secrets.” He noted that since neither of the accused is a resident of Delhi, an analysis of their devices is crucial to “decipher the connection between them” and understand their presence in the capital.
“I do not believe in staying something unless I am very clear that something wrong is going on or will go on. I do not see that at all,” Justice Bhambhani remarked, further questioning the defense, “I still don’t understand why you were in Delhi at all.”
The case stems from an incident on August 20, 2025, when Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a ‘Jan Sunwai’ (public hearing) programme at her camp office in the Civil Lines area. Her office has described the assault as a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.”
The Delhi Police subsequently filed a 400-page chargesheet on October 18, 2025. According to the prosecution, the attack was pre-planned during a meeting in Rajkot, Gujarat. It is alleged that Shaikh transferred ₹2,000 to Khimjibhai’s account to facilitate the plan. Khimjibhai, a 41-year-old resident of Rajkot, was arrested at the scene, while Shaikh is accused of being the co-conspirator.
On December 20, 2025, a trial court found a prima facie case against the duo and ordered the framing of charges. Formal charges were framed on December 26, 2025, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for:
- Section 61(2): Criminal conspiracy
- Section 221: Obstructing a public servant in discharge of functions
- Section 132: Using criminal force on a public servant
- Section 109(1): Attempt to murder
The accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their counsel urged the High Court to defer the trial proceedings, noting that the trial court is set to begin recording evidence on April 25. However, with the High Court’s refusal to grant a stay, the trial is expected to proceed as scheduled.
