A political controversy has intensified in Delhi following an opposition protest against the Election Commission. Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other opposition leaders over their alleged entry into the Akashvani Bhawan premises without permission and the subsequent sit-in protest.

According to the police, opposition leaders had planned to march from Parliament House towards Nirvachan Sadan, the headquarters of the Election Commission. Police officials said the proposed march did not have the required official permission. When the protesters were stopped near the Election Commission office with barricades, several leaders remained on the road and continued their demonstration.

 Dispute Escalated Near Police Barricades

The police had deployed barricades to prevent the protesters from moving further towards the Election Commission office. A standoff reportedly developed between the protesters and the security personnel.

Police allege that some protesters attempted to cross the barricades and that several leaders subsequently moved towards the Akashvani Bhawan premises.

The incident has led to differing claims from the police and opposition leaders. While the police have described the incident as an unauthorized march and alleged entry into a restricted government premises, opposition leaders have maintained that they were carrying out a political protest.

Alleged Entry Into Akashvani Bhawan

According to Delhi Police, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other opposition MPs entered the Akashvani Bhawan premises on Parliament Street without prior permission.

Police allege that after entering the premises, the leaders began a sit-in protest inside the complex. The demonstration continued for several hours, reportedly lasting more than eight hours.

During the prolonged protest, police asked the leaders and demonstrators to vacate the premises. When the protest continued, the police proceeded with the detention of several opposition leaders.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Others Detained

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal and several other opposition leaders were detained during the police action.

The detained leaders were taken to the New Police Lines at Kingsway Camp. Their detention became another point of political confrontation, with opposition leaders questioning the police action.

Police, however, maintained that action was necessary because the protest was being held inside a sensitive government premises without the required permission.

The leaders were released later in the night, after around 10 pm.

 Why Did Police Register the FIR?

Delhi Police has argued that the Akashvani Bhawan premises is a sensitive government location and that entering the complex without authorization and staging a protest there amounts to a violation of established rules.

The police have initiated an investigation into the alleged unauthorized entry and the disruption of law and order.

Investigators are expected to examine available video footage, security records and statements from people present at the location. The investigation will also look into how the protesters entered the premises and who was involved in the alleged crossing of barricades.

 Opposition Protest Against the Election Commission

The incident occurred during an opposition demonstration against the Election Commission. Opposition leaders had planned the march to raise their concerns over issues related to the electoral process and the Election Commission.

The police stopped the proposed march near the Election Commission office, citing security arrangements and the lack of permission for the demonstration.

The situation escalated after the protesters were stopped, eventually leading to the alleged entry into the Akashvani Bhawan premises and the extended sit-in.

 What Happens Next?

With the FIR now registered, Delhi Police will investigate the entire sequence of events. Investigators may examine CCTV footage, videos recorded during the protest, statements from witnesses and other evidence to determine the roles of the individuals involved.

The case has added another layer to the ongoing political confrontation between the opposition and authorities over the Election Commission. While police have emphasized security, permission and unauthorized entry, opposition leaders have presented the protest as part of their political campaign.

The legal process and police investigation will now determine the next course of action in the case.