Rahul Gandhi Warns of Accountability Over Police Brutality
Rahul Gandhi demands accountability after NSUI activists allege severe custodial violence during protests against the Election Commission.
In a scathing attack on the central government, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, issued a stern warning on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, regarding the alleged assault of protesters. Gandhi asserted that those responsible for the crackdown on individuals demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will face serious consequences.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Gandhi called for the systematic collection of video evidence and documentation of police excesses. He directed his message toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing the ongoing protests as the singular "voice of India" that stands above the divides of religion, caste, and gender.
Harrowing Testimonies from Student Activists
The press conference was marked by emotional testimonies from National Students' Union of India (NSUI) activists, who detailed instances of severe custodial violence allegedly perpetrated by the Delhi Police. One of the most striking accounts came from Athira, a Delhi University student originally from Kerala.
Athira claimed that during a demonstration on October 13, she suffered injuries so severe that she lost hearing in one ear. She alleged that she was struck repeatedly in the chest, abdomen, back, and private parts. Furthermore, she highlighted a significant breach of mandatory protocol, stating that no female officers were present during her detention.
A female activist also identified a constable, Chanchal Yadav, as the individual who grabbed her by the neck and scratched her face during the chaos.
Corroboration and Hospital Visits
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, who visited the victims at Lady Hardinge Hospital, corroborated these harrowing accounts. He specifically emphasized the reported lack of female personnel while female students were being detained, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the police conduct.
The wave of unrest stems from protests organized by the NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress. These groups are demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions, which they have termed "vote chori."
Legal Battles and Escalating Tensions
The situation has moved into the courtroom as the Delhi High Court reviews a petition filed by an NSUI office-bearer. The petition seeks an independent inquiry into the assaults that have reportedly been occurring since October 10.
The legal landscape has become increasingly complex for the protesters:
- De-notification of Protest Sites: Jantar Mantar was de-notified as a protest site on October 11, leading to tightened restrictions on public demonstrations.
- Judicial Custody: Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were remanded to five-day judicial custody today on charges of trespassing and violating peace bonds.
- Existing FIRs: An FIR was previously registered on October 3 against protesters following a complaint by ACP Vivek Bhagat regarding the alleged obstruction of police duty.
As the protests continue, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has officially condemned the government's restrictive measures, labeling the current crackdown as "authoritarianism."