Congress Protests at Jaipur Police Headquarters Demanding FIR in Ritu Barala Case

Jaipur, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : Congress leaders have launched a protest at the Jaipur Police Headquarters, demanding an FIR against those involved in the assault of Ritu Barala, a national secretary of the NSUI. This incident occurred during a peaceful demonstration in Delhi against the Chief Election Commissioner.

The Rajasthan Congress has rallied around Barala, claiming that instead of providing justice, the police are avoiding registering an FIR. Party president Govind Singh Dotasra and several senior leaders have been on a sit-in at the police commissioner’s office since Monday night.

Dotasra expressed that they are there to ensure justice for “Rajasthan’s daughter.” He accused the police of protecting the accused and failing to uphold the law. He recounted the traumatic experience of Barala, who required hospitalization after the assault. When she attempted to file a complaint, she was redirected from one police station to another without receiving any assistance.

“This is a do-or-die situation for us. We will not leave until our demands are met. We are prepared to face any force, whether it be batons or stones. We will not be intimidated,” Dotasra declared.

Congress MLA Rafiq Khan noted that while the police accepted the complaint, they have yet to register an FIR. He mentioned that the officer in charge cited a need for further investigation and claimed he was under pressure to act. “If you are not registering the FIR, it means you are denying justice to the people of Rajasthan, especially when it concerns a woman,” he stated.

Khan also highlighted the absence of the police commissioner during their visit to the commissioner’s office, where they were met by the additional commissioner, who left without making any decisions.

Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, another Congress leader, criticized the lack of response from both the police and the state government. “The chief minister and the police commissioner are absent while we sit here demanding action. Is it not their duty to resolve this standoff?” he questioned.

Vinod Jakhar, national president of NSUI, shared that the protest in Delhi was aimed at addressing alleged vote theft and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He accused the police of brutally attacking NSUI members during the protest.

“We are sitting outside the Jaipur police commissioner’s office to ensure a zero FIR is registered and that an investigation is launched. Those responsible for the assault must be suspended and held accountable. Yet, after 17-18 hours, senior officials have not engaged with us,” Jakhar lamented.

The situation remains tense as Congress continues its protest, demanding justice and accountability from the authorities.