Rahul Gandhi Alleges Police Brutality Against Youth Congress Workers, Says Kerala Student Lost Hearing In One Ear
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Delhi Police of assaulting Youth Congress workers during protests against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Addressing a press conference with protesters, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed that a Delhi University student from Kerala had lost hearing in one ear after being struck by police personnel.
Gandhi highlighted the case of Athira, who alleged that she was assaulted inside a police bus after being detained during Tuesday’s protest.
“Athira from Kerala has lost her hearing in one ear,” Gandhi said, claiming that she had sustained the injury after being hit on the ear.
Kerala Student Alleges Assault Inside Police Bus
Athira alleged that no female police personnel were present on the bus when the protesters were detained. She said she questioned the absence of a woman constable, arguing that one should have been present during the detention of female protesters.
According to her account, the bus later moved and stopped outside the Connaught Place police station, where police personnel allegedly struck her repeatedly on the cheek.
She claimed that the incident left her with an eye injury and damage to her ear.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
NSUI Worker Also Accuses Police Of Assault
Another woman associated with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also accused Delhi Police personnel of assaulting her during Tuesday’s detention.
Introducing her as “our sherni”, Gandhi said she had been beaten but remained unafraid and harboured no hatred.
The woman alleged that a female constable, identified by her as Chanchal Yadav, grabbed her by the neck and pushed her onto a seat. She further claimed that the constable scratched her face and the area near her ear with her nails and slapped her when she resisted.
Youth Congress leaders have also alleged that police personnel hit protesters with lathis and kicked some of them in their private parts during detention.
Concerns were raised about minors who were allegedly released without their mobile phones, money or the means to return home.
Protests Against Electoral Roll Revision
The allegations are made as protests against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters and student organisations have asked for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar alleging irregularities in the revision process.
The demonstrations have been held in several parts of Delhi, including Connaught Place, in the last few days.
The controversy has triggered accusations of police excesses, with Congress leaders demanding accountability for the alleged treatment of detained protesters.
Rahul Gandhi Warns Of Action Against Those Responsible
Responding to the protesters’ accounts, Gandhi said those found responsible for the alleged assaults would face consequences. He accused the government of standing against the voices of citizens demanding accountability.
Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gandhi said the protest represented a collective voice beyond religious, caste or gender divisions.
He also urged students to record any alleged incidents of police misconduct and share the footage with the Congress.
Gandhi said the party would use the evidence to seek action against everyone found responsible, naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Amit Shah and the police personnel allegedly involved.
The allegations have intensified the political confrontation over the electoral roll revision process and the handling of protests in the national capital.