Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, was detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday during a Congress protest outside the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Several other opposition leaders were also taken into custody. Photos and videos from the protest showed blood near Rahul Gandhi's nose. The Congress shared one such image through its official social media handle.
According to the Congress, Rahul Gandhi was injured during the police action to remove protesters from the demonstration site. However, detailed official information regarding the exact cause of his injury has not been made public.
The Congress said it had organized the march towards the Prime Minister's residence and the sit-in protest over the alleged police action against students and issues related to NEET. The protesters demanded accountability from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought a discussion on the issue in Parliament. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders also participated in the protest alongside Rahul Gandhi.
During the protest, tensions developed between police personnel and demonstrators. Videos from the scene showed Rahul Gandhi sitting or lying on the ground while security personnel attempted to remove him from the protest site. He was subsequently taken into custody by police. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and several other leaders were also reported to have been detained.
Videos from the scene showed Rahul Gandhi struggling with police personnel before being escorted towards a police vehicle. Images later released by the Congress showed blood near his nose. Some reports also indicated that he sustained an injury below his face. However, the nature of the injury and its cause have not been independently confirmed.
Congress leaders criticized the police action, describing it as an attack on the democratic right to protest. Based on photographs and videos shared by the party, the Congress alleged that Rahul Gandhi was forcibly removed from the protest site and subjected to pushing by police personnel. The party said such action against leaders participating in a peaceful protest was unacceptable and indicated that it could continue its agitation over student-related and NEET-related issues.
In a video recorded during the protest, Rahul Gandhi was seen speaking to journalists. He criticized the government and raised questions regarding democracy. According to the Congress, the government should respond in Parliament on issues concerning students and the education system instead of suppressing the voice of the opposition.
The protest took place while the Monsoon Session of Parliament is underway, with the opposition pressing the government on issues related to education, the examination system, and students. Reports have indicated that the government has expressed its willingness to discuss the related issues in Parliament, while the opposition has raised additional demands.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also shared on social media the photograph showing blood near Rahul Gandhi's nose. She criticized the government over the incident and alleged police action against opposition leaders and protesters.
