Senior Congress leader and Raebareli MP, Rahul Gandhi, has headed to Sambhal to meet the relatives of those killed during recent riots. However, authorities stopped his convoy at the Ghazipur border.
Security forces have been deployed at the Chhajarsi toll plaza near Hapur, and at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Additionally, checks are underway at Bridgeghat in Amroha.
Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu questioned, “Why is the government stopping us? What are they trying to hide, and what are they afraid of? As the leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi has the right to assess the situation in the country. The tragic incident in Sambhal, which led to the loss of lives, needs attention. If the Leader of the Opposition cannot visit the site, how will he raise this issue in Parliament? We want to understand the situation in Sambhal, but why is the government stopping us? Is this not dictatorship? Rahul Gandhi will definitely visit Sambhal, meet the victims’ families, and raise their voices.”
The riots occurred about ten days ago during a survey at Jama Masjid when miscreants in the crowd threw stones and fired at the police, resulting in four deaths. The authorities shut down the internet in the area to prevent the spread of rumors and imposed a ban on outsiders. The police increased vigilance by sealing the district borders and conducting thorough checks. While many political delegations, including Congress and SP, announced their intention to visit Sambhal, they were stopped due to the prohibitory orders.
Now, Congress has re-announced that Rahul Gandhi will visit Sambhal on Wednesday to meet the families of the deceased and offer condolences.