Anti-SIR Protest: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged brutal police action against the NSUI and Youth Congress members during the recent protests seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. While addressing a press conference in Delhi, Gandhi alleged that a female student lost hearing in one ear after being struck by police personnel. He further urged the students to record and send such videos to Congress, promising action against those responsible.
'Student Lost Hearing In One Ear'
The Congress leader claimed that the protesters were brutally assaulted upon being taken into detention by the Delhi police. As per Gandhi, Athira, one of the female students, lost hearing in one ear after police personnel repeatedly hit her despite showing no signs of aggression. "Athira from Kerala has lost her hearing in one ear. She is deaf in one ear because she was struck on that ear. She can no longer hear. Last time I showed you a boy who was blinded. Now, she is deaf in one ear," Rahul Gandhi said.
Protester Recounts Police Action
Arjun, one of the protesters who allegedly got assaulted, said that he was beaten by the officials inside a police van. The protester stated that he was taken into custody near Connaught Place, adding that he was punched in the face, kicked, and strangled inside the detention van. Arjun further alleged that some minors aged 16-17 were also detained and were assaulted in a similar manner.
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Rahul Gandhi Issues Warning
Rahul Gandhi asserted that brutal action against the students will not be forgotten, advising them to preserve the videos of police action. "I have told all the students to keep a video record and send that evidence to us. When this entire matter concludes, we will utilize all that evidence and ensure that everyone who needs to be punished is punished," Gandhi stated.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had also directed the Delhi Police to handle such protests with care and ensure no serious harm to the participants.