Rahul Gandhi: A massive political slugfest between opposition and government was witnessed in Uttar Pradesh, as Congress’ top leader Rahul Gandhi was physically roughed up by the police and was later arrested, along with Sister Priyanka Gandhi and other senior leaders of the party, who were on their way to Hathras to meet the family of the victims.


Also Check | IN PICS: Rahul Gandhi Falls, Sustains Injuries After Being Roughed Up By Uttar Pradesh Cops On Way To Hathras

On the detainment of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, the UP police told that the leaders will remain in police custody until the situation normalizes.

Citing sources, news agency PTI said they were taken away in a police jeep and kept in a guest house for sometime after which they were released. They are now headed back towards Delhi escorted by the UP police, they said.

Also Read: Hathras Woman Not Raped, Facts Wrongly Presented For Disturbing Social Harmony: UP Police

A recap of the scuffle:

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi,  Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala were taken to Buddh International Circuit in Gautam Buddh Nagar, after they were detained by UP Police on their way to Hathras at Yamuna Expressway.

The Congress leaders began marching towards Hathras after their vehicle was stopped near the Yamuna Expressway. While talking to ABP News Gandhi said that only Prime Minister Modi is free to walk in this country.

Visuals of the spot showed Rahul Gandhi who is one of the biggest names of opposition, falling down to the ground as he was pushed by a cop who held him by his collar.

Uttar Pradesh Police Personnel also told Gandhi that his sister and he have been arrested as they were marching in an area where section 144 has been imposed.

Before his arrest, the Congress leaders had a heated exchange with police personnel and asked the grounds on which they were being arrested.

 (PTI Photo)

According to Ranvijay Singh, Additional DCP, Gautam Budh Nagar, Rahul Gandhi has been taken into custody and they won't be allowed to go further as the police have a letter from DM Hathras saying that if they visit Hathras, it may disturb the law and order situation in the district. Also, there is the issue of providing security cover to them.

The Uttar Pradesh police already facing flak over alleged forced cremation of the Hathras victim, again became the centre of criticism for their behavior with the opposition leaders.

After detaining Rahul, Priyanka and others, the police also allegedly beat up the rest of the Congress workers who were still present at the expressway.
Rahul targets CM Yogi in his tweet

In a tweet in Hindi, he earlier said, "In times of sorrow, loved ones are not left alone. It is Jungle Raj in UP that meeting a family in mourning also scares the government. Do not be so afraid chief minister."
Priyanka Gandhi also tweeted "When we all started our march on foot with Rahul ji, we were repeatedly stopped and lathis were rained on us in a barbaric manner. Many workers were injured. But our intention is clear.”

"The sticks of an egotistical government cannot stop us. I wish these lathis were used by this police while standing in defence of Hathras's Dalit daughter," she said in a tweet in Hindi.