New Delhi: Delhi Police have formally lodged an FIR against Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several other opposition leaders, following Tuesday’s demonstration near the Election Commission’s headquarters.
Background of the Protest
The INDIA alliance organised the march to demand a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls and to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Approximately 200 MPs set out from Parliament with the intention of reaching the Election Commission office.
Police Action at Akashvani Bhawan
After marching roughly 700 metres along Parliament Street, the procession was halted by police, who said the demonstrators did not have permission to enter the government complex.
Undeterred, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders either climbed over or circumvented the police barricades, proceeding onto the Akashvani Bhawan premises where they began a sit‑in.
Detention and Night‑time Release
Police repeatedly urged the group to vacate, but the leaders insisted on meeting Election Commission officials. After several hours inside the building, Delhi Police moved in and cleared the protesters.
Alongside the Gandhis, Congress members such as K.C. Venugopal, Deepender Hooda and Pawan Khera were taken into custody, as were several MPs and party workers. The detainees were transferred to the New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp and were released later that night.
FIR Filing and Ongoing Investigation
The FIR was lodged at Parliament Street Police Station, citing unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhawan complex. Investigators are now probing the actions of all individuals named in the complaint.
This incident adds another chapter to the growing confrontation between the opposition and the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral‑roll revision process, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance in central Delhi.
