Bhubaneswar: Jharsuguda police in Odisha have filed an FIR against Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The case follows a speech he delivered on January 15 at the inauguration of the Congress’s new headquarters in Delhi.
The complaint was lodged by Rama Hari Pujhari, a BJP functionary from Sarabhal, Jharsuguda, on February 7. Pujhari accused Gandhi of making “anti-national statements” that allegedly hurt Indian sentiments.
Gandhi had claimed that the BJP and RSS had “captured every single institution” in India. He also stated that Congress was not just fighting the BJP but also the Indian state.
The FIR charges him under Sections 152 and 197(1)(d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections relate to threatening India’s sovereignty and spreading misleading information that could harm national security.
Pujhari argued that Gandhi’s statements crossed the limits of free speech. He alleged that by declaring opposition to the Indian state, Gandhi incited rebellion and subversive activities.
Himansu Kumar Lal, IG (northern range), confirmed that complaints were received from BJP leaders and other groups on February 5. He directed the Jharsuguda SP to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The police are now examining the case and will take further action based on their findings.
