Rahul Gandhi named in police complaint after journalist alleges assault at Delhi protest

Delhi Police have launched a preliminary investigation into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after a journalist filed a formal criminal complaint alleging he grabbed her and caused her to be pushed down a set of stairs during an opposition protest in the capital.

The complainant, reporter Richa Parashar, submitted the complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in New Delhi after spending three days in hospital. The alleged incident occurred on October 12 near the Supreme Court during a demonstration organised by the INDIA bloc against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

According to the complaint, Parashar, who stated she was three months pregnant at the time, extended her microphone towards Gandhi when he moved forward, grabbed her hand, and pulled her. She alleged that Gandhi's bodyguards then shoved her back, causing her and her cameraperson to fall down the steps onto her stomach. The tumble left her with injuries to her hands and knees and broke her mobile phone.

Investigation underway

Delhi Police confirmed that officers are reviewing CCTV recordings from around the Supreme Court, examining mobile phone videos shot by bystanders, and collecting statements from eyewitnesses to determine the sequence of events.

The complaint seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under legal provisions relating to the use of criminal force against a woman, causing hurt, and actions endangering human life and safety. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition seeking an FIR in connection with the incident on October 26.

Context of the protest

The march on October 12 was part of a series of demonstrations by opposition parties targeting the Election Commission over voter roll revisions. Ruling BJP leaders have criticised the street demonstrations as attempts to create public disruption, asserting that opposition parties should address procedural concerns through statutory electoral mechanisms rather than administrative blockades.