Rahul Gandhi Says ‘Police Can Break Bones But Not Satyagraha’, Alleges FIR Refusal Over Student Assault
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has accused Delhi Police of refusing to register a First Information Report (FIR) over the alleged assault of student protesters during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has accused Delhi Police of refusing to register a First Information Report (FIR) over the alleged assault of student protesters during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Gandhi criticised the police action, saying, “Police can break bones but cannot break satyagraha,” and called for accountability over the alleged mistreatment of students.
The allegations come amid growing political tensions over police action against protesters demanding accountability from the Election Commission and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. ‘Don’t Come in Way of Protesting Students, They Are India’s Voice’: Rahul Gandhi to PM Modi.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Concerns Over Alleged Police Assault
Gandhi has backed student protesters who alleged that they were assaulted while being detained during demonstrations in New Delhi. The Congress leader has called for action against officials found responsible for misconduct and urged protesters to preserve video evidence of the alleged incidents. The controversy intensified after NSUI activist Athira C, a student leader from Kerala, alleged that she was assaulted by Delhi Police personnel during detention. She reportedly suffered hearing loss in one ear following the incident.
‘Police Can Break Bones But Not Satyagraha’
Delhi Police is refusing to register an FIR on the assault of our students.
Two young women, Athira from Kerala and Ritu from Rajasthan, along with many others, were beaten by Delhi Police.
I have spoken to Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Rajasthan PCC President Govind Singh Dotasra. A Zero FIR has already been registered in Kerala. We will pursue every legal route against the officers responsible, in Kerala, in Rajasthan and in the courts.
Brutality by Amit Shah's Delhi Police will not go unchecked.
In 1930, at Dharasana, Sarojini Naidu led unarmed satyagrahis into police lathis. Not one of them raised a hand. The world watched.
Police can break bones. They cannot break a satyagraha.
India's youth, especially young women, are fearless, determined and united. They are standing up for our democracy, and I stand with them.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 16, 2026
Kerala Police Register Zero FIR on Student's Complaint
In a significant development, Kerala Police registered a Zero FIR on Athira's complaint on October 15. The case was registered at the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram, allowing the complaint to be recorded despite the alleged incident having taken place in Delhi. The complaint alleges physical assault, wrongful restraint and other forms of mistreatment during detention. The allegations against the police personnel have not been independently established. “Modi Ji, Your Officials Are Confused”: Rahul Gandhi on Rubio’s Mumbai Visit, Says “unless You Want Me to Explain”.
A Zero FIR can be registered at any police station, irrespective of territorial jurisdiction, before being transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation. The development has added to criticism over the handling of the student's complaint in Delhi.
Protests Against Gyanesh Kumar and SIR Continue
The confrontation follows demonstrations by student groups and opposition leaders against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Protesters have raised concerns over the electoral roll revision process and demanded accountability from the poll panel. The Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll revisions are intended to ensure accurate voter lists.
The allegations of police excesses have added another dimension to the political dispute, with Congress leaders demanding accountability and the handling of complaints against police personnel coming under scrutiny. Further developments are expected as the complaint is taken up by the appropriate authorities and questions continue over the alleged assault of student protesters.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2026 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
