Journalist Richa Parashar, who is three months pregnant, has filed a criminal complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others, seeking an FIR over alleged manhandling and threats while covering the Opposition’s October 12 march towards the Supreme Court.
Submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi district, the complaint seeks action under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions relating to assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, causing hurt and endangering personal safety.
The march sought Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal. Gandhi also filed a petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
“Rahul Gandhi held my shoulder and pulled. I could feel his strength. His guards pushed me,” Parashar told ANI. She alleged that Gandhi also elbowed her cameraperson, causing him to fall, while supporters’ slogans drowned out her calls for help.
Videos circulated on social media do not clearly show Gandhi pushing her.
Parashar said she fell down and experienced abdominal pain. She was taken to a local hospital before being shifted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Hospital chairperson Dr Ajay Swaroop said she was admitted as a precaution and examinations found no major problem.
“Her physical examination was normal. Her ultrasound was done; the foetus is absolutely fit and fine,” he told ANI.
BJP leaders visited Parashar and accused Gandhi of mistreating her. Delhi BJP vice-president Rajesh Bhatia said he arranged assistance through local MLA Umang Bajaj after her sister approached him.
Congress leader Alka Lamba disputed the account, questioned the reported delay in Parashar’s hospital visit and accused the BJP of political propaganda.
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