Adarsh Sharma, Dehradun23 minutes ago
Rahul Gandhi showed the picture of purification at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday.
An FIR has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the alleged ‘purification’ controversy following Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani.
Haldwani Kotwali police registered the case based on a complaint by Amit Kumar, who participated in the purification programme.
FIR No. 297/26 invokes Sections 196 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3(1)(q) of the SC/ST Act against Rahul Gandhi. Amit Kumar, a resident of Ward No. 15 in Haldwani, alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks insulted the Dalit community as well as those who participated in the purification programme.
Earlier, Amit Kumar and Vinod Kumar Arya had submitted a complaint against Rahul Gandhi at Haldwani Kotwali police station over the matter. Both alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the alleged purification at Ramlila Ground had hurt the sentiments of the Dalit community.
Rahul Gandhi showed a picture of the purification at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday.
Purification conducted after Kharge’s August 8 rally
A public meeting addressed by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge was held at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani on August 8. After the meeting, a controversy erupted over an alleged purification havan conducted by BJP leaders and workers, who reportedly sprinkled Gangajal across the ground.
BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt and other party leaders gave statements defending the purification. Congress protested against the move, linking it to what it described as the BJP’s mentality.
The controversy subsequently became part of Rahul Gandhi’s statements. He linked the incident to Dalit dignity and questioned the need for the purification, while Congress also demanded action against BJP leaders over the matter.
Congress had earlier demanded police action
Congress had also sought police action in connection with the controversy. The party alleged that the Ramlila Ground was purified after Kharge’s event because he is a Dalit.
With an FIR now registered against Rahul Gandhi, the matter has developed into a two-sided legal dispute. Congress is demanding action by linking the alleged purification to the humiliation of Dalits, while Amit Kumar, who participated in the purification programme, has lodged a case against Rahul Gandhi.
FIR likely to intensify political row
The registration of an FIR against Rahul Gandhi is expected to intensify the controversy in Uttarakhand politics.
Congress is already presenting the issue as one concerning Dalit dignity and social discrimination. Meanwhile, the FIR is likely to intensify the political blame game between the BJP and Congress.
Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the controversy could emerge as a significant political issue, with both parties linking it to social justice, Dalit dignity and religious sentiments.
Sections invoked in FIR and potential punishment
- BNS Section 196: Covers acts promoting enmity, hatred or disharmony between different religions, castes or communities, as well as acts prejudicial to the maintenance of public peace. In general cases, it provides for imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. In certain special circumstances, the punishment can extend to five years.
- BNS Section 299: Covers deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs. The offence can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.
- SC/ST Act Section 3(1)(q): Covers giving false or fabricated information to a public servant with the intention of causing them to use their lawful power to the injury or annoyance of a member of an SC/ST community. The provision carries imprisonment of between six months and five years, along with a fine.
