Case filed against Rahul Gandhi for demanding FIR

A complaint was lodged against those who raised their voice against Dalit oppression.

There is a saying that the thief scolds the constable. Those who raised their voice against Dalit oppression have had complaints filed against them. An FIR has been registered against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, on Sunday. This FIR was filed a day after Rahul Gandhi's press conference in New Delhi. In the press conference, he had demanded that an FIR be filed against the 'purification ritual' held at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan. This ritual took place a few days after a rally by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Rahul Gandhi termed the incident as a 'crime' and said,

"It reflects the 'untouchability' faced by Dalits across the country and exposes the 'BJP-RSS mindset'. He reiterated that Congress wants a case to be filed under the SC/ST Act against those who conducted the ritual in Haldwani."

Indian Express reported that Haldwani's Superintendent of Police (City) Manoj Kumar Katyal stated, "The FIR against Rahul Gandhi was registered based on a complaint by Amit Kumar, a resident of Jawahar Nagar Colony. In the complaint filed on Sunday, 26-year-old Amit Kumar mentioned that he belongs to the Valmiki community. He claimed that he participated in the 'cleanliness drive and religious ritual' held at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan on August 11 along with other members of the Scheduled Caste community. He stated that the event had no connection with any individual or caste."

In the complaint, Kumar said that despite this,

"Rahul Gandhi, in the press conference on August 29, without any verification, termed it an act related to 'untouchability' and a crime against Scheduled Castes. He also demanded an FIR against those involved in the ritual."

Amit Kumar stated that despite being from the Valmiki community himself, he was portrayed as someone who believes in untouchability and is anti-Dalit. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi's allegations have increased tension and animosity between communities. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case against Rahul Gandhi under Section 196 of the IPC. This section pertains to acts that promote enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, or other factors, and disturb social harmony.

Additionally, Section 299 of the IPC has been applied, which relates to deliberately and maliciously outraging the religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.

Rahul Gandhi has also been charged under Section 3(1)(Q) of the SC/ST Act. This provision relates to providing false or baseless information to a public servant to misuse their powers to harm or harass a member of the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Earlier on Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reacted to Rahul Gandhi's statement, calling Congress a 'party without issues'. He also stated that those conducting the ritual were not BJP workers.

It should be noted that on Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Modi government over violence and atrocities against Dalits. After Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's rally in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those conducting the 'purification' ritual. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Two days later, members of the Shri Ram Sena conducted a 'purification ritual' at the same ground. Congress alleges that this ritual was conducted because Kharge is a Dalit.

At Indira Bhavan in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi stated that this incident is a crime under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He said, "We are seeking justice for the Congress President. If not today, then tomorrow justice will be served. Forget that Kharge Ji will not get justice."

In a warning tone, Rahul said,

"Congress has decided to ensure justice for its President in Uttarakhand. 'If no action is taken, our reaction will follow.' He linked the entire controversy to the fight for the Constitution and social equality, stating that 'BJP's new and old organization is the same. Our fight is to save the Constitution.'

The Leader of Opposition said,

"BJP and RSS workers are practicing untouchability, which is a legal offense. 'Purification is just another name for discrimination.'