Police Case Filed Against Rahul Gandhi: BJP Alleges ‘Attempt to Murder’ Over MPs’ Injuries
In a contentious development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi faces an FIR filed by the BJP, accusing him of causing injuries to two party MPs during parallel protests outside Parliament.
The incident escalated tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, with both sides trading accusations of physical assault and provocation.
BJP’s Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi
The BJP lodged a police complaint, holding Gandhi responsible for the injuries sustained by Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. The duo, aged 69 and 66 respectively, were hospitalized after sustaining head injuries.
The complaint, filed by BJP MPs Anurag Thakur, Bansuri Swaraj, and Hemang Joshi, charged Gandhi under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, and use of criminal force.
Speaking to reporters, Thakur stated, “We have filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi for assault and provocation. He pushed BJP MPs during a peaceful protest, resulting in injuries that required hospitalization.”
Pratap Sarangi further elaborated on the incident, alleging that Gandhi’s actions caused Mukesh Rajput to fall on him.
“Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who then fell on me, causing injuries,” Sarangi said, recounting the events that unfolded near the Parliament stairs.
Congress Denies Allegations, Files Counter-Complaint
In response, Congress rejected the BJP’s accusations, with Rahul Gandhi dismissing them as a distraction from Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge filed a counter-complaint, alleging that BJP MPs pushed him, causing injuries to his legs.
Kharge accused the BJP of instigating the scuffle, emphasizing that the opposition was protesting peacefully. The Congress complaint is yet to prompt police action.
BJP MP’s Claims of Intimidation
Adding to the controversy, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak claimed Gandhi “shouted” at her during the protest, calling his behavior “unbecoming” of the Leader of the Opposition.
In an interview, Konyak expressed her discomfort, stating, “It was a peaceful protest, but Gandhi approached me, accusing and shouting, which I found inappropriate.”
She confirmed filing a complaint with the Rajya Sabha chairman regarding the incident.
FIR Details and Legal Implications
The FIR against Gandhi, filed by BJP MP Hemang Joshi, outlines the sequence of events leading to the altercation.
According to Joshi, BJP MPs were peacefully demonstrating near the Parliament’s Makar Dwar entrance when Gandhi arrived and “forcefully barged toward the demonstrators,” disregarding security protocols.
The charges include Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 117 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 125 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
While the offences are cognizable, they are also bailable, and Gandhi’s arrest is not mandatory unless directed by the court.
Protests Spark Chaos Outside Parliament
The clash occurred against the backdrop of simultaneous protests by the NDA and the INDIA bloc. The BJP, led by Anurag Thakur and other MPs, demonstrated at the Makar Dwar entrance, condemning remarks by Rahul Gandhi.
Meanwhile, the opposition, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched from the Ambedkar statue, carrying photographs of Dr. Ambedkar.
Tensions escalated when Gandhi allegedly attempted to cross the BJP’s protest site, leading to the physical altercation.
BJP leaders accused him of instigating aggression, while Congress maintained that the incident was a result of BJP provocation.
Political Fallout
The incident has further polarized the political climate, with both parties doubling down on their narratives.
BJP leaders have accused Gandhi of hooliganism, while Congress has condemned the ruling party’s tactics as an attempt to divert attention from pressing national issues.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. Ambedkar have fueled the political drama, with protests and counter-protests dominating the parliamentary session.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident is poised to add another layer of complexity to the ongoing political tussle between the BJP and Congress.
