Pune Police Report Supports Defamation Claim Against Rahul Gandhi for V D Savarkar Remarks

The Pune Police have recently concluded an investigation into allegations against Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, regarding comments he made about the Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar. The enquiry report, submitted to a Pune court, suggests there is prima facie evidence supporting the complaint lodged by V D Savarkar's grand nephew, Satyaki Ashok Savarkar. This development could potentially lead to the court summoning Gandhi to address the accusations of defamation.

Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, representing Satyaki Savarkar, disclosed that the judicial magistrate first class Akshi Jain's court received the police report on Monday. The complaint, filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code last April, accuses Gandhi of defaming V D Savarkar during a speech in London in March 2023. According to Satyaki Savarkar, Gandhi falsely claimed that V D Savarkar had once expressed joy after assaulting a Muslim man—an allegation that has been refuted as baseless and malicious.

The Vishrambaug police were tasked by the court to verify the claims made by Satyaki Savarkar and submit their findings by May 27. Their investigation concluded that there is no evidence in V D Savarkar's writings to support Rahul Gandhi's claims made during his London speech. Tukaram Nimbalkar, assistant police inspector, confirmed the submission of this report to the court.

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has faced legal challenges over his remarks. In March last year, a Surat metropolitan court found him guilty of criminal defamation for a comment made in 2019, resulting in a two-year jail sentence. However, Gandhi was granted bail by a sessions court on April 3, and his conviction was stayed by the Supreme Court in August.

The current case against Gandhi for allegedly defaming V D Savarkar adds another layer to his ongoing legal battles. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact his political career and public image.