A day after filing an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over a complaint by BJP MPs following a scuffle in Parliament that left two BJP legislators injured, Delhi Police has transferred the case to its Crime Branch.
According to The Indian Express, the FIR, lodged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, includes charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, use of criminal force, and criminal intimidation. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Kumar Sain said, “A team led by ACP Ramesh Lamba will lead the investigation.” The Interstate Cell (ISC) of the Crime Branch received related documents late Friday evening, sources confirmed.
Additionally, the Crime Branch will also probe the Congress’ counter-complaint, which accuses BJP MPs of assaulting Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, causing him injuries. “We will also look into the investigation of the complaint filed by the Congressm,” Sain said.
A senior officer indicated that authorities would soon seek permission to inspect the scene of the alleged scuffle inside Parliament premises. The clash has escalated tensions between the two parties, each accusing the other of initiating violence during the winter session.
Congress demands resignations and CCTV footage
The Congress stepped up its criticism of the BJP on Friday, accusing the ruling party of disrupting Parliament for the first time in history. At a press conference, deputy leaders Gaurav Gogoi (Lok Sabha) and Pramod Tiwari (Rajya Sabha) demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for a remark they claim insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar.
“In the history of democracy, this has happened for the first time. Generally, the Opposition disturbs the Parliament – whether it was when the BJP was in Opposition or us. This is the first time that in the first week, the ruling party did not allow the House to be run,” Tiwari said.
“There is footage. They were protected from entering the House, and our 83-year-old LoP of Rajya Sabha was pushed to the ground. This was the first time that the Opposition was not allowed to enter Parliament. Our demand is that CCTV footage of every second, every inch should be made public. When it is issued, it will become clear we weren’t allowed to enter,” he added.
Congress Lok Sabha members boycotted the traditional tea meeting with Speaker Om Birla following the session’s conclusion, while Rajya Sabha members, including those from the ruling BJP, attended a similar event hosted by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.