Police detain Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday was detained by the Uttar Pradesh police along with Priyanka Gandhi. They were on their way to Hathras to meet the family of the 20-year-old rape victim who recently died.

The Wayanad MP alleged that the police had lathicharged him at the UP border. In one of the video clips being aired on TV, Rahul can be seen being pushed away.

Rahul is heard asking on what grounds he was being detained. As per a report, a cop said that the former Congress President was being detained under Section 188 of the IPC for violation of an order.

Congress party leaders have condemned the detention of the Rahul-Priyanka duo. Telangana Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy said, “I severely condemn the utterly shameful attack on our beloved leader Shri Rahul Gandhi ji by the UP Police. This is a cowardly attack on an inspirational and compassionate leader going to console the family of a Dalit rape victim! Shame on Modi and Yogi! Yogi MUST resign!!”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, “I condemn strongly the way UP police has detained Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ji & Priyanka Gandhi ji illegally. They misbehaved with Rahul ji. This is an undemocratic and brutal use of force. UP BJP government’s attempt to harass opposition leaders like this is reprehensible.”

Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, “I condemn the assault by UP Police on our leader Rahul Gandhi who is fighting to get justice for Hathras rape victim. Under what law has he been detained? Why are he and Priyanka Gandhi not being allowed to meet the victim’s family?”