'Police Can Break Bones, Not Satyagraha': Rahul Gandhi Slams Delhi Police Over Student Assault
Rahul Gandhi alleges Delhi Police refused to file an FIR after assaulting students, comparing the struggle to the historic Dharasana Satyagraha.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has launched a scathing attack on the Delhi Police, alleging that the force is refusing to register a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the assault of student protesters. In a strongly worded statement, Gandhi claimed that several students, including two young women, were beaten by the police during recent demonstrations.
Allegations of Police Brutality
Taking to the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the plight of two students, Athira from Kerala and Ritu from Rajasthan, stating that they, along with many others, were subjected to violence by the Delhi Police. He characterized the actions as "brutality" under the administration of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that such conduct would not go unchecked.
To ensure legal accountability, Gandhi revealed that he has been in communication with Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Govind Singh Dotasra. He confirmed that a Zero FIR has already been registered in Kerala, and the party intends to pursue every available legal avenue in Kerala, Rajasthan, and the courts to hold the responsible officers accountable.
Drawing Parallels with History
In a poignant reference to India's freedom struggle, Rahul Gandhi invoked the memory of the 1930 Dharasana Satyagraha. He recalled how Sarojini Naidu led unarmed satyagrahis who faced police lathis without retaliating, capturing the world's attention through their non-violent resilience.
"Police can break bones. They cannot break a satyagraha," Gandhi wrote, emphasizing that the spirit of peaceful protest remains indomitable.
He further praised the courage of India's youth, particularly young women, describing them as fearless, determined, and united in their fight to protect democracy, adding that he stands firmly with them.
A Warning to the Centre
This latest allegation follows a gathering on Wednesday where Gandhi accused the Delhi Police of assaulting protesters during demonstrations against electoral roll revision. Addressing the crowd, he warned the Central Government against attempting to suppress the voices of the people.
Gandhi described the protest as a collective movement that transcends the boundaries of religion, caste, and gender. He specifically addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them not to oppose this unified voice.
"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," Gandhi stated, suggesting that standing against such a movement is a futile effort.
To build a strong legal case, the Congress leader has encouraged student protesters to meticulously document any instances of police misconduct, promising that such evidence would be used to ensure the officers involved are held accountable for their actions.