UP: Rahul, Priyanka detained, not allowed to march toward Hathras
What's the story
Uttar Pradesh Police detained former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and sister Priyanka on Thursday, just as they were on way to Hathras to meet the bereaved family of a 19-year-old Dalit woman, who was raped earlier this month and succumbed to serious injuries on Tuesday. They started walking after their convoy was stopped at Yamuna Expressway. The Gandhis have been taken away by police.
Twitter Post
Latest visuals: The duo's march to Hathras was cut short
The Gandhis (@priyankagandhi @RahulGandhi) taken away by UP police pic.twitter.com/jL0pggsW67
— amrita madhukalya (@visually_kei) October 1, 2020
Context
Congress cornered Adityanath's government over rape and death of Dalit
The Congress has launched a concerted attack on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, over the horrific rape case. The victim was allegedly raped by four men of the upper caste. She was paralyzed after the attack, due to spinal cord injuries. After initially being treated at Aligarh, she was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, where she died. Shockingly, she was cremated without family's permission.
Details
Ahead of Gandhis' visit, UP Police introduced curbs, citing coronavirus
A few hours ago, Congress' General Secretary Priyanka and Rahul started their journey toward Hathras, with their supporters flanking them. The administration, however, enforced restrictions, banned large gatherings, and put up barricades, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the curbs, the Gandhi siblings continued their journey and decided to cover the nearly 150 km distance between Greater Noida and Hathras on foot.
What happened
Will walk alone: Rahul told cops when informed about restrictions
At one point during the journey, Rahul claimed he was lathi-charged and pushed to the ground by cops. In a video, a cop was seen requesting him to return, informing that Section 144 of CrPC is in place. Rahul then assured the police officer he would walk alone and his supporters would stay behind. This suggestion didn't find many takers in the police team.
Claims
After being lathi-charged, Rahul launched attack on PM Modi
In other visuals from the spot, Rahul was seen having a tensed face-off with cops, with both sides pushing each other. He claimed he was lathi-charged as well. Pictures also showed sister Priyanka catering to Rahul's wounds. "I want to ask, can only Modi ji walk in this country? Can't a normal person walk? Our vehicle was stopped, so we started walking," Rahul said.
Twitter Post
Here is a clip from the scuffle
पुलिस के साथ झड़प के दौरान ज़मीन पर गिरे @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/OEpGKfoGmD
— Aadesh Rawal (@AadeshRawal) October 1, 2020
Details
On what grounds: Rahul asked cops about his crime
Rahul also asked the cops which section did he violate, that prompted action against him. The cops informed he violated IPC Section 188. Separately, taking to Twitter, Rahul also advised Adityanath to "not be scared." "In times of sorrow, loved ones are not left alone. It is Jungleraj in UP that meeting a family in mourning also scares the government," Rahul tweeted.
Twitter Post
Watch: Political tension peaks in UP
#WATCH Rahul Gandhi, who has been stopped at Yamuna Expressway on his way to Hathras, asks police, "I want to walk to Hathras alone. Please tell me under which section are you arresting me."
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 1, 2020
Police says, "We are arresting you under Section 188 IPC for violation of an order. " pic.twitter.com/uJKwPxauv5