Crime Branch to probe Rahul Gandhi in Parliament scuffle case
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New Delhi: The Crime Branch will investigate the case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with the Parliament scuffle on December 19, which left two BJP MPs injured, reported PTI.
A case was registered against him on the same day of the scuffle at the Parliament Street Police following the complaint of BJP MPs, accusing him of physical assault and incitement.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under sections 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
"We have transferred the case from local police to the Crime Branch," a senior officer said, adding that police are likely to record the statements of MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput and may also call Rahul Gandhi for questioning.
Meanwhile, police have sought legal advice on registering a separate FIR in response to a complaint filed by the Congress, accusing BJP MPs of misbehaving with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on the Parliament premises.
"We are taking legal opinion if the Congress leaders' complaint can be converted into the FIR," another police officer said, adding that a decision on this will be taken soon.
Talking about the investigation in the case against Gandhi, the officer said police would seek access to CCTV footage of the area where the incident occurred and also reach out to media houses to inquire about any video evidence they may have. Police will also recreate the scene of the crime if required during the investigation, the source said.
After political protests turned ugly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla banned demonstrations by MPs and political parties at any of the gates of Parliament, sources said.
"Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued strict instructions that no political party, Member of Parliament or groups of members will hold any dharna and demonstration at building gates of Parliament House," parliament sources said.