New Delhi: Delhi Police have registered three FIRs in connection with Opposition protests in the capital, with more cases likely to follow, police said on Thursday. The FIRs relate to alleged assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police personnel.
The names of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra figure in the details of the FIRs registered so far. Several other Congress leaders, party workers and INDIA bloc MPs have also been named or are part of the cases, according to police.
The cases stem from protests by INDIA bloc leaders against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi led Opposition leaders in a street protest after MPs were stopped by police while attempting to proceed towards Jantar Mantar. Police said the protesters were stopped after they attempted to move ahead without permission, leading to a confrontation with security personnel.
Rahul Gandhi was detained and taken to Barakhamba Road Police Station. During the confrontation, he was seen attempting to open a barricaded gate as police prevented protesters from moving ahead. He later waved at the media and showed a victory sign while being detained.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also detained and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium Police Station. She was seen lying on the road during the police action and later alleged that force had been used against protesting MPs.
“What is the value of the Constitution in this nation? We will lay down our lives for the Constitution. No cost is too high for us,” Priyanka Gandhi told reporters while holding a copy of the Constitution from a police vehicle.
Rahul Gandhi said the Congress and INDIA bloc would continue their protests despite arrests and legal cases, saying the Opposition would take to the streets “as many times as needed” to protect the Constitution and democracy. He also said the protests would continue until Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
Police said 91 people were detained during Wednesday’s protest, including several MPs and political leaders. The protesters included members of the Congress, TMC, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, IUML and other Opposition parties.
The latest FIRs follow another case registered by Delhi Police over an earlier protest involving Opposition MPs at the Akashvani Bhavan premises.
According to police, INDIA bloc leaders had planned to march from Parliament House towards Nirvachan Sadan, the headquarters of the Election Commission. Police said no official permission had been sought or granted for the proposed march.
After protesters were stopped near the Election Commission office, several Opposition leaders staged a sit-in. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders subsequently entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises and continued their protest there.
Police said the protesters were asked to leave but refused, insisting that a delegation of MPs be allowed to meet Election Commission officials. Police eventually intervened, removed the protesters from the premises and detained them, citing the need to maintain law and order.
With multiple FIRs now registered and more cases being examined, the confrontation between the Opposition and Delhi Police has added another legal dimension to the ongoing political campaign over the electoral-roll revision and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
(With agency inputs from ANI and PTI)