Sultanpur: Vehicles travelling behind Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy collided on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district on Monday while he was travelling from Lucknow to appear before a court. Rahul Gandhi’s own vehicle remained safe, according to preliminary reports.
The incident reportedly took place near kilometre marker 89.5, within the jurisdiction of the Haliyapur police station. The exact cause of the collision has not yet been established.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to the vehicles involved. Further details about the circumstances of the incident were awaited.
Rahul Gandhi Was Travelling To Sultanpur Court
Rahul Gandhi was on his way to Sultanpur to appear before a special MP-MLA court in connection with a criminal defamation case dating back to 2018. He reportedly left his residence at around 7 am for the journey from Lucknow.
The case relates to remarks Gandhi made about then-BJP president Amit Shah during campaigning for the 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections. Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed a criminal defamation complaint against Gandhi in a Sultanpur court on August 4, 2018.
During the campaign, Gandhi had referred to Shah in connection with a murder case. Shah had been discharged of all charges in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh alleged fake encounter case by a special CBI court in Mumbai in 2014.
Mishra’s complaint alleged that Gandhi’s remarks were defamatory. Gandhi has denied the allegations and described the complaint as politically motivated.
Case Timeline And October 26 Hearing
The special MP-MLA court summoned Gandhi in November 2023. He appeared before the court on February 20, 2024, and was granted bail.
He subsequently presented his side during further proceedings, including appearances in July 2024 and February 2026. During the trial, the complainant’s side presented witnesses and evidence.
After final arguments from both sides were completed, the court fixed October 26, 2026, for its decision.
The collision involving vehicles behind Gandhi’s convoy occurred during his journey to Sultanpur for the court proceedings. His vehicle was not reported to have been involved in the collision.
