The controversy over the so-called purification ritual held at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani has now entered a new phase with the registration of an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Why Did an FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Get Registered?
An FIR was filed against Gandhi following a complaint from Amit Kumar, a Valmiki by caste, who is also an office-bearer of a local trust. In the complaint, the complainant said Gandhi made a caste-based interpretation of the ritual and offended the sentiments of the community. As per the police, the FIR has been registered under the provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act. An investigation is being carried out on the allegation.
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Ramlila Ground Incident
The incident started when the purification ritual was performed at the Ramlila Ground in Haldwani on August 11. This was just a few days after Mallikarjun Kharge spoke at the Ramlila Ground on August 8. While the Congress leaders criticized the ritual and accused the organizers of practicing caste-based discrimination, the BJP and other organizers denied this and said the ritual was for cleanliness purposes.
Earlier Demand for FIR by Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi had demanded an FIR for the Haldwani ceremony, which he termed as untouchability. But the BJP had denied the accusation and called the Congress as politicizing the entire issue.
Haldwani Row Enters into the Judicial Domain
After the FIR was filed against Rahul Gandhi, the controversy surrounding Haldwani has entered the judicial domain. It will certainly make the political row between the Congress and BJP even more intense. The police will now ascertain all the facts and circumstances related to the allegations made in the complaint.
