MP cops ‘threatening’ coaching centre owners ahead of Rahul Gandhi event: Congress

The Congress party in India has accused Madhya Pradesh Police of intimidating coaching centre owners ahead of a Rahul Gandhi event in Indore. The party's Rajya Sabha member and spokesperson, Pawan Khera, alleged that the police were forcing these operators to sign statements claiming responsibility for the safety of students attending the event, which allegedly crosses the limits of "shamelessness".

Khera claimed the police first "threatened" Rahul Gandhi, then the organizers, and finally the coaching centres and students, effectively carrying out a "complete chain of intimidation". The Congress party also pointed out that the police referenced the Rajiv Gandhi assassination while planning the event, claiming it was an attempt to intimidate Rahul Gandhi.

The Verma Commission, which investigated the security lapses leading to the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, had previously held the event organizers responsible for the security breakdown in the Sriperumbudur incident in 1991. Khera emphasized that ensuring the safety of every individual at public events is the responsibility of the administration, and that an administration that intimidates people instead of protecting them fails in its duty.