New Delhi, October 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has urged students who participated in a protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to document alleged police excesses, preserve video evidence and submit it to the Congress, promising action against those found responsible for wrongdoing.
Gandhi made the appeal on Wednesday at a press conference attended by protesters who took part in the demonstration. He described the protest as a collective voice cutting across religious, caste and gender identities, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar of standing against that voice.
“There is one voice, one protest. It is the voice of India, and you are standing against this voice,” Gandhi said, addressing the government.
He asked students to record videos and preserve evidence of alleged misconduct, saying the material would be used after the matter concluded to seek accountability. He said those responsible should face consequences, naming Modi, Kumar, Shah and even police personnel accused of assaulting protesters.
Gandhi acknowledged that FIRs could be registered in connection with the demonstration, describing them as part of the protest process. He alleged, however, that the protesters’ collective voice was being suppressed.
During the press conference, Gandhi introduced a woman protester as “our sherni”, praising her for remaining fearless despite allegedly being assaulted and saying she harboured no hatred.
He also highlighted the alleged injuries suffered by Athira, a Kerala student studying at Delhi University. Gandhi claimed she had lost hearing in one ear after being struck during the incident. Referring to an earlier case involving a male protester whom he said had been blinded, he cited the alleged injuries as examples of the consequences of police action.
Athira alleged that no female police personnel were present when protesters were detained on Tuesday. She said she questioned the authorities about the absence of a woman officer or constable, arguing that female personnel should be available when women are taken into custody.
According to Athira, the bus transporting the detainees later stopped outside the Connaught Place police station, where she was repeatedly struck on the cheek. She attributed an eye injury and damage to her ear to the incident.
The allegations were presented by Gandhi and the student during the press conference. The account provided no response from the police or other authorities to the specific allegations.
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