The aftermath of a clash between Congress workers and Assam police during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi has taken a legal turn, with the case now transferred to the specialised Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation.
Assam Police registered a case against Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders two days ago, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, unlawful assembly, and criminal conspiracy. The clash occurred when Congress workers, part of the yatra, clashed with Assam cops near the Guwahati city limits. The state BJP government had restricted the yatra’s movement on key Guwahati roads, citing potential traffic disruptions.
In response to the clash, Assam Police Chief GP Singh announced the transfer of the case to the CID for an in-depth investigation through a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The move aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the incident and address the charges against Rahul Gandhi and others.
The clash, which led to chaotic scenes at the city limits, involved approximately 5,000 Congress workers attempting to enter the city, despite the BJP-led government’s denial of permission, citing the possibility of traffic jams. Chief Minister Himanta Sarma accused Congress of employing “naxalite tactics” and blamed them for a massive traffic jam.
The swift transfer of the case to the CID follows a series of allegations and heated exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Himanta Sarma. Congress leaders claim that Sarma, a former member of the Congress party, has been creating obstacles for the yatra. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing concerns about security breaches during Gandhi’s yatra in Assam.
Rahul Gandhi, in public addresses in Assam, has accused Chief Minister Sarma of being the most corrupt in the country, claiming he is remote-controlled from Delhi. Despite the legal proceedings, Gandhi dares Sarma to register more cases against him, emphasizing his lack of fear.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Sarma has accused Rahul Gandhi of instigating unrest in the state, alleging that the Congress party is attempting to destabilize Assam. Sarma asserted that the arrest of Rahul Gandhi would occur after the Lok Sabha election, avoiding politicization of the case before the electoral process.
As the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra concludes its last day in Assam, tensions remain high, and the focus shifts to West Bengal as the yatra continues its journey. The legal developments and ongoing verbal sparring between political leaders add layers of complexity to an already charged political environment.
Sources By Agencies
