Rahul Gandhi Accuses Delhi Police of Assaulting Students
Rahul Gandhi warns the Centre as he accuses Delhi Police of assaulting student protesters during demonstrations against electoral roll revision.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has launched a scathing attack on the Delhi Police, accusing them of assaulting student protesters. Addressing a massive gathering of demonstrators in the national capital on Wednesday, Gandhi issued a stern warning to the Central Government, stating that attempting to suppress the collective voice of the youth would be a futile effort.
The controversy erupted following demonstrations by various student groups and youth organisations. These groups were protesting against the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
'One Voice, One Protest'
During his address, Gandhi emphasized that the movement transcending traditional divides of religion, caste, and gender. He directly addressed the highest levels of leadership, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to listen to the people.
"As I said in my press conference, this is India. Amit Shah ji, take a good look at this. There is no Hindu here, no Muslim, no one of any specific caste; there is no woman, no man. There is one voice, one protest. It is the voice of India, and you are standing against this voice—the Prime Minister is standing against this voice,"
Gandhi warned the administration that the momentum of this protest was unstoppable, stating, "I suggest to you: do not stand against this voice. No one can stand against this voice."
Demanding Accountability for Alleged Misconduct
The Congress leader has called for a systematic documentation of police misconduct. He instructed students to maintain video records of any alleged violence to ensure that evidence is preserved for legal action.
Gandhi vowed that the evidence would be used to hold everyone accountable, regardless of their rank. He stated that his goal was to ensure punishment for those involved, ranging from high-ranking officials like the Prime Minister and Amit Shah to the individual constables accused of physical aggression against students.
One particularly harrowing case highlighted by Gandhi was that of Athira, a Delhi University student from Kerala. He alleged that she suffered the loss of hearing in one ear after being struck during detention. Other activists have also come forward with allegations of being assaulted both inside police vehicles and within police stations.
Political Support and Legal Pressure
The allegations have drawn significant political support. In Kolkata, West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar stood in solidarity with Gandhi, describing him as a leader who consistently champions the cause of the marginalised and the student community. Sarkar warned that the Constitution of India would ensure that any official involved in wrongdoing—from the Prime Minister to a clerk—would face consequences.
In Delhi, Congress MP Jebi Mather confirmed that party representatives had accompanied victims to the Parliament Street Police Station to meet with the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The current status of the investigation is as follows:
- CCTV Review: Police have requested 24 hours to examine the CCTV footage from the station.
- Potential Protests: The NSUI national president has declared that if an FIR is not lodged following the footage review, massive protests will ensue.
- Ongoing Demonstrations: Student groups have indicated that they will continue their agitation against the electoral roll revision process.