New Delhi:

Top Delhi Police officials today reached Rahul Gandhi’s residence in connection with his “women are still being sexually assaulted” remarks during the all-India foot march ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. The police had on March 16 issued a notice to the Congress leader seeking information on women who had approached him regarding sexual harassment. A police team led by Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Sagar Preet Hooda stood outside Gandhi’s 12, Tughlaq Lane residence for over an hour, after which the Wayanad MP met him. Thereafter the police team left and soon after Mr. Gandhi was seen leaving his house driving the car.

Rahul Gandhi reportedly told the police that the Bharat Jodo trip was long, and he did not remember anything. After this the police gave him another notice and said that his statement would be recorded. However, he did not give any fixed timeline for this.

The Congress termed it a “shameful act”, saying it showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was nervous about his questions on the Adani issue.

“‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and Rahul Gandhi ji gave women a safe platform to share their problems and pain.

This shameful act of Delhi Police proves that PM Modi is nervous about our questions on Adani issue.

Our spirits have been strengthened by such antics, we will keep demanding answers.

‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and Rahul Gandhi ji gave women a safe platform to share their complexities and pain.

This exposed move of Delhi Police proves that PM Modi is nervous about our questions on Adani case.

Our courage has been strengthened by such antics, we will continue to take answers. https://t.co/GlOVemReC3

– Congress (@INCIndia) March 19, 2023

Top Congress leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Rajya Sabha MPs Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh also arrived at Mr Gandhi’s residence. Police detained several Congress workers who had gathered at the former party president’s house to protest against the police presence.

Taking cognizance of the social media post, the police sent a questionnaire to Rahul Gandhi, to which he did not respond.

The police had said that Rahul Gandhi had made a statement in Srinagar during the Bharat Jodo Yatra that “I have heard that women are still being sexually assaulted”.

Delhi Police said that it wants to know the details of those women from Rahul Gandhi so that legal action can be taken. Top police officers wanted to speak to Mr. Gandhi to get information about the women concerned.

Congress sources say that there is no legal precedent for issuing notices against Rahul Gandhi either suo motu or on the basis of a complaint. The grand old party sees this as yet another tool of oppression deployed by the Delhi Police. “There may be a statement, but they cannot compel him to reveal the names of the victims. The action is malicious and bogus,” he added.

“As it is a sensitive matter involving life and safety of people, the team is working to collect relevant information to ensure evidence and witnesses are not tampered with,” he added.

Congress leader Pawan Kheda questioned why the police is asking this question 45 days after the end of the yatra. He said the government is ‘nervous’.

“We will respond to incidents as per rules, but is it right to act in this way? It has been 45 days since the Bharat Jodo Yatra ended, and they are asking this now. It shows that the government is in a panic. I was stopped.” By entering today. Why?” said Mr. Kheda.

Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said his party, a direct rival of the Congress, has no problem in saying that it is wrong that the Center is “misusing” investigative agencies against Rahul Gandhi. However, he also took a jibe at the Congress, referring to its leaders’ remarks on central agencies working against AAP leaders.

He said, ‘We have always said that the central government is misusing its agencies. We have no problem in saying that if agencies are being misused even with Rahul Gandhi, then it is wrong. It should not happen. Hail the action against Rahul Gandhi, as Congress leaders often tell us. If agencies are being misused, it is wrong. It should not happen.’