Three FIRs against Rahul, Priyanka over alleged assault of police officers

At least three FIRs have been registered against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over allegations of assaulting police officers during an INDIA bloc protest in Delhi on Wednesday, The Indian Express quoting police sources reported.

According to the Delhi Police, the cases relate to allegations of assault and obstructing police personnel from discharging their duties. Several other Congress leaders and party workers have also been named in the cases. Police are examining the allegations and the role of those involved, according to officials.

The FIRs were registered a day after police filed a separate case against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others over their alleged unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhavan premises during Tuesday’s protest.

Wednesday’s demonstration was the second consecutive day of protests by Opposition MPs demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The INDIA bloc MPs had gathered for lunch at a restaurant on Janpath before heading towards Jantar Mantar for another protest. Police stopped their buses on the way, leading to a confrontation between the protesters and security personnel.

Priyanka Gandhi and several other women MPs sat on the road, while Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders continued the protest. Police subsequently detained the protesters. A total of 91 people, including several MPs and political leaders, were detained during Wednesday’s demonstration, according to police.

The Opposition has been protesting against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and has accused the poll panel of irregularities in the exercise. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations and maintained that its decisions on the SIR were unanimous.

The fresh FIRs add to the cases registered against Opposition leaders during two days of protests in Delhi seeking Kumar’s resignation.