New Delhi: Delhi Police have formally registered an FIR against senior Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several opposition members, after a protest near the Election Commission’s headquarters on Tuesday.
Background of the Protest
The demonstration was organised by the INDIA alliance to demand a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls and to call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Approximately 200 MPs set out from Parliament with the aim of reaching the Election Commission office.
Police Action Near Akashvani Bhawan
After marching roughly 700 metres along Parliament Street, the procession was stopped by police, who said the demonstrators did not have permission to enter the government complex.
Undeterred, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders either climbed over or circumvented the police barricades, proceeding onto the Akashvani Bhawan premises where they began a sit‑in.
Detention and Night‑time Release
Authorities repeatedly asked the group to vacate, but the leaders insisted on meeting Election Commission officials. After several hours inside the building, Delhi Police moved in and cleared the protesters.
Alongside the Gandhis, Congress figures such as K.C. Venugopal, Deepender Hooda and Pawan Khera were taken into custody, as were several MPs and party workers. All detainees were transferred to the New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp and were released later that night.
FIR Filing and Ongoing Investigation
The FIR was filed at the Parliament Street Police Station, accusing the accused of unauthorised entry into the Akashvani Bhawan complex. Investigators are now probing the actions of everyone named in the complaint.
This incident adds another chapter to the growing confrontation between the opposition and the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral‑roll revision process. Both sides remain entrenched, while security forces keep a close watch on central Delhi.
