Shimla: In a dramatic turn of events, Himachal Pradesh Police have detained at least 20 Delhi Police personnel in connection with the arrest of three Youth Congress leaders from Rohru in Shimla district.
The Delhi Police team had reportedly reached Rohru to arrest the Youth Congress leaders in connection with a protest held during an AI summit in New Delhi. However, while the team was returning to Delhi with the detained leaders, Himachal Police intercepted them near Dharampur and took them into custody.
All those detained have been brought to Shimla and are being produced before a court.
Police action confirmed
Solan SP G V Tirumala Rao confirmed that a naka (checkpoint) was set up near Dharampur at the request of Shimla Police, following which further action was taken by the Shimla district authorities. No official statement has yet been issued by the Himachal Pradesh DGP.
Political reaction
All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson and Theog MLA Kuldeep Rathore strongly condemned the action. He alleged that conducting a raid at Himachal Sadan without a warrant amounted to a violation of privacy and urged the state government to initiate strict legal action against Delhi Police.
Rathore said the Youth Congress had staged a peaceful protest on February 20 against the proposed India-US trade agreement and rising unemployment. He questioned whether democratic protest had now become an act of sedition.
“The country does not belong to any one party. It is the duty of the opposition to raise the voice of the people,” he said, alleging that the Centre was trying to suppress the voices of youth.
