Special Investigation Team Formed to Probe Rahul Gandhi’s Parliament ‘Assault’ Case
New Delhi: The Delhi Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly assaulting and injuring BJP MPs during a scuffle on the Parliament premises. Sources confirmed that the case has been handed over to the Crime Branch’s Interstate Cell (ISC) Unit in Chanakyapuri for a detailed probe.
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi accuses him of “physical assault and incitement” during a protest over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar. The protest turned chaotic, leading to a ruckus between members of the BJP and Congress on the Parliament premises, news agency PTI reported.
Allegations and Counter-Claims
The scuffle reportedly involved two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, who were injured in the altercation. Both were admitted to RML Hospital for medical treatment. The BJP has alleged that Rahul Gandhi physically pushed the MPs in an attempt to gain entry into the House.
Meanwhile, the Congress has denied the allegations, claiming that it was the BJP members who initiated the commotion. The party accused BJP MPs of pushing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, causing injuries to his knee. Responding to the BJP’s accusations, Rahul Gandhi stated that he was blocked from entering the Parliament by stick-wielding BJP MPs.
Transfer to Crime Branch
The case, initially registered at the Parliament Street Police Station, was transferred to the Crime Branch on Friday. A senior police official confirmed that the matter required a detailed and impartial investigation, prompting the formation of the SIT.
The seven-member SIT includes two Assistant Commissioners of Police, two Inspectors, and three Sub-Inspectors. The team will operate under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Investigation Details
The Parliament administration has been approached to provide CCTV footage of the incident, which is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events. However, the investigation documents and FIR are yet to be formally handed over to the Crime Branch, a process that is likely to be completed in the coming days.
Complaints have been lodged by both parties. The BJP filed a written complaint on Thursday night, following which the FIR against Rahul Gandhi was registered. Congress leaders, in turn, visited the police station and filed a counter-complaint.
A senior police official remarked, “The Congress complaint is under legal examination.” The details of the counter-complaint have not yet been disclosed.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a war of words between the BJP and Congress, with both parties accusing each other of resorting to violence. BJP leaders have demanded strict action against Rahul Gandhi, labeling the incident an “unprecedented attack on democracy.”
Congress leaders, however, have dismissed the FIR as politically motivated, accusing the BJP of using law enforcement agencies to target opposition leaders.
“This is yet another example of BJP’s attempts to stifle dissent. Rahul Gandhi was merely standing up for the values of democracy,” said a senior Congress leader.
Next Steps
With both parties leveling serious allegations, the SIT faces the task of conducting a thorough and unbiased investigation. The outcome of the probe is likely to have significant political implications, especially as tensions continue to escalate between the two national parties.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Crime Branch and the evidence it uncovers, particularly the CCTV footage, which could provide critical clarity on what transpired during the scuffle in Parliament.