On 30th January 2023, Rahul Gandhi had remarked in Srinagar that he had met several women during his Bharat Yatra who had told him that they were raped or sexually harassed.
Police reached his residence this morning to speak to him in this connection to get details of the offences so that justice could be rendered to the victims. Earlier, police had tried to gather information from him on this matter on 15th March but ‘failed’ hence they sent notice on 16th March 2023 but that remained unanswered.
Rape and sexual offences are considered to be heinous crimes.
As an MP, Rahul Gandhi is a public servant.
By law, every person is duty bound to assist a Police Officer reasonably demanding his aid in investigation of an offence. A person aware of the commission of an offence is also duty bound to give information to the police (Sections 37 and 39 of Criminal Procedure code). Instances of not doing so are punishable offences (Sections 176 and 202 of Indian Penal Code).
Upon such information being brough in public domain through specch by a public servant, police is duty bound to take congnisance and conduct enquiry.
It is in this context the police team may have approached Rahul Gandhi seeking his response to a notice on his remark during his Srinagar speech.
However, Congress party called Delhi Police’s action to be cheap theatrics.
On 17th March 2023, Delhi Police had appealed public to report instances of sexual harassment to them immediately.
Congress has pointed out delay of 45 days by the police and said they will respond in due course.
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