New Delhi Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other protesters over their alleged unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhavan premises during an INDIA bloc protest against the Election Commission.
The FIR was registered on Wednesday, a day after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other opposition leaders entered the government premises and staged a sit-in after being stopped from marching towards the Election Commission office.
Why Did Delhi Police Register An FIR?
According to Delhi Police, the INDIA bloc 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, several opposition leaders staged a sit-in. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra subsequently entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises along with other leaders and continued their protest there.
The police have registered the FIR in connection with the alleged unauthorised entry and the subsequent protest inside the premises.
What Happened Inside Akashvani Bhavan?
The Gandhi siblings and other opposition leaders remained inside the Akashvani Bhavan complex for several hours.
Delhi Police said the protesters were asked to leave the premises but allegedly refused to comply. They insisted that they would remain there until a delegation of MPs was allowed to meet officials of the Election Commission.
According to reports, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra entered through a gate that had been left open for Akashvani staff. The protest subsequently continued inside the complex.
Why Were Rahul And Priyanka Gandhi Detained?
Delhi Police eventually intervened, citing the need to maintain law and order and prevent the situation from escalating.
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other protesters were removed from the premises and detained.
Around 260 people, including 10 MPs, were detained during Tuesday’s protest, according to Delhi Police. The detained leaders were taken to New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp and were later released.
What Was The INDIA Bloc Protest About?
The protest was organised by opposition parties over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The INDIA bloc also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly alleged irregularities in the electoral process and has used the phrase “vote chori” while attacking the Election Commission. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations.
What Happens After The FIR?
The FIR marks a new legal development following the high-profile protest.
Delhi Police has so far confirmed that the case relates to the alleged unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhavan premises and the subsequent sit-in. Further details about the sections invoked in the FIR were awaited.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the Election Commission over the electoral-roll revision and the demand for action against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
