FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi over Haldwani 'purification' remarks

An FIR has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with his remarks about a religious ritual held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The case, filed by a member of the Valmiki community, alleges that Gandhi’s statements at a press conference in New Delhi on August 29, 2024, promoted caste-based enmity and outraged religious feelings. According to police sources, the FIR has been lodged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to promoting enmity between groups and intentional acts to outrage religious sentiments. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, has also been invoked in the complaint.

The complainant, Amit Kumar, a resident of Jawahar Nagar and a member of the Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas, claimed he was present during the "ritual and cleanliness drive" held at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani on August 11, following a public meeting by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on August 8. In his complaint filed at the Haldwani police station, Kumar alleged that Gandhi’s comments portrayed those involved in the ritual as practicing "untouchability" and being "anti-Dalit." He stated that the ritual had no connection to Kharge’s caste and involved people from various sections of society, including Scheduled Castes.

The controversy stems from allegations that a 'purification yajna' was performed at the venue after Kharge’s rally, with the BJP claiming the area was left littered and slogans were raised that were inappropriate for a religious site. The Congress, however, has framed the incident as an example of the BJP’s alleged anti-Dalit mindset. Gandhi, in his August 29 press conference, demanded the registration of an FIR under the SC/ST Act against those responsible for the "purification" ritual.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the incident, calling it a reflection of a "reprehensible and shameful mindset" and asserting that it violated the SC/ST Act. The political row has intensified as both parties exchange allegations over the handling and interpretation of the event.

Police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the FIR against Rahul Gandhi. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing statements from witnesses and related evidence.

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