FIR Filed Against Rahul Gandhi in Odisha Over Alleged "Anti-National" Remarks

Jharsuguda, Odisha – A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district over alleged "anti-national" remarks, a senior police official confirmed on Saturday.

The complaint, filed by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its youth wing, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Bajrang Dal, was submitted to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Northern Range, Himanshu Lal on February 5. Based on the complaint, the FIR was registered at Jharsuguda police station under case number 31.

According to police officials, Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts that threaten India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity, and Section 197(1)(d) for allegedly making or publishing false or misleading statements that could endanger national security.

The complaint alleges that Gandhi has been deliberately making statements that "hurt the sentiments of Indian citizens." Following the initial review, the IGP referred the matter to Jharsuguda Superintendent of Police (SP) Parmar Smit Parshottamdas for investigation and legal proceedings.

Reacting to the development, former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Srikant Jena stated, "I am unaware of the specific allegations against Rahul Gandhi, but I will review the details. The Congress party has consistently fought against the ideology of the BJP and RSS."

The case has sparked political debate, with Congress leaders dismissing the allegations as politically motivated while BJP and affiliated groups maintain that strict action is warranted. Further developments in the investigation are awaited.