New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has accused Delhi Police of refusing to register an FIR over the alleged assault of students, asserting that the Congress would pursue legal action against the officers responsible.
In a post on social media, Gandhi said two young women, Athira from Kerala and Ritu from Rajasthan, along with several others, were allegedly beaten by Delhi Police personnel.
He said he had spoken to Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra regarding the incident. According to Gandhi, a Zero FIR had already been registered in Kerala.
“We will pursue every legal route against the officers responsible, in Kerala, in Rajasthan and in the courts,” he said, alleging that the conduct of Delhi Police would not go unchecked.
Gandhi drew a parallel with the 1930 Dharasana Satyagraha, in which Sarojini Naidu led unarmed protesters during the freedom struggle.
Recalling the non-violent resistance of the satyagrahis, he said police violence could cause physical injuries but could not break the spirit of a peaceful protest.
“Police can break bones. They cannot break a satyagraha,” Gandhi said.
He described the country’s youth, particularly young women, as fearless and determined, asserting that they were standing up for democracy.
Gandhi also expressed solidarity with the students and reiterated his commitment to pursuing legal remedies over the alleged assault.
The allegations against Delhi Police were made by Gandhi in his social media post. An independent account of the incident and a response from Delhi Police were not included in the statement.
