Rahul Gandhi Turns Back After Being Denied Entry At Delhi-UP Border

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were halted at the Ghazipur border between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh while attempting to visit the violence-affected Sambhal district. The police had set up barricades, blocking the highway, and stopped the Congress convoy around 11 am.

Despite stepping out of their vehicle to engage in talks with senior police officers, the leaders were denied permission to continue their journey. The incident led to several hours of intense drama.

The situation in Sambhal has been tense since November 19, following a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque amid claims that it was built over a Harihar temple. The tension escalated into violence on November 24 during a second survey near the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to a clash between protesters and security forces. The unrest resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with several others injured.

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia took preventive measures by writing to the police commissioners of Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, as well as the superintendents of police in Amroha and Bulandshahr, requesting them to prevent Rahul Gandhi's entry into Sambhal. Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra, affirming the directive, stated, "We will not permit Rahul Gandhi to Sambhal as prohibitory orders have been issued by the administration there. Police will stop Gandhi at UP gate." He also highlighted that a significant police force was stationed at the border to enforce the prohibition.

The enforcement of these prohibitory orders and the deployment of a large police force at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border led to considerable traffic congestion, illustrating the authorities' determination to uphold the ban on entry into Sambhal.