Police Notice Issued to Congress Leader Prahlad Gunjal Over Threats to Om Birlas OSD in Kota

Kota, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : In Kota, Rajasthan, police have issued a notice to former MLA and Congress leader Prahlad Gunjal for allegedly threatening Rajiv Dutta, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This incident reportedly took place during a public meeting in Kolana village on October 21, where Gunjal was accused of making threats that could lead Dutta to consider suicide.

A team led by Circle Inspector Mahesh Kumar from the Anantpura police station visited Gunjal’s residence to deliver the notice, instructing him to report to the police station within seven days for questioning. The notice was issued under Section 35(3) of the Indian Citizen Security Code (BNS).

CI Mahesh Kumar confirmed that a case related to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct had already been filed against Gunjal at the Ranpur police station. The controversy erupted when Gunjal allegedly stated, referring to Dutta, that he had brought disgrace to all of Rajasthan. He further claimed he would leave Dutta in a state that might compel him to contemplate suicide or resort to violence.

Following the emergence of a video capturing Gunjal’s remarks, a complaint was lodged by constable and intelligence officer Pushpendra Chaudhary. In response to the police notice, Gunjal remarked that this was a standard legal procedure and expressed his intention to refuse to comply with the summons for November 10. He stated, “Who fears arrest?”

Gunjal accused authorities of political vendetta, asserting that those responsible would be held accountable. He emphasized that he would not be intimidated, claiming that every time he speaks out, a case is registered against him. He questioned the legal basis of the charges against him, arguing that the applicable sections do not apply in this instance.

He also challenged the authenticity and timing of the video, suggesting that it may have been obtained from an informant and could be two years old. Gunjal declared, “I present this as a challenge: those involved in wrongdoing will be held accountable. There is no question of backing down.”

According to the police report, Gunjal faces allegations of holding a meeting at a temple without permission, inciting the public, and issuing threats, in violation of Election Commission directives. An investigation into the video revealed that Gunjal was provoking the audience during the gathering.

The police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (BNS), 2023, including Sections 223(A), 132, and 308(2), along with Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act.