Priyanka Gandhi's charges untrue, claims cop

Lucknow: Amid mounting criticism of the Uttar Pradesh police over Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s allegation that she was “strangulated and manhandled” on Saturday, a state police cop has countered the allegations saying Vadra “changed her route” after she left from the party office and her allegations of being manhandled are untrue.

In a report to the additional superintendent, Dr Archana Singh - the officer responsible for the Congress leader's security - has mentioned that Vadra had left the party headquarters at Mall Avenue for Kaul House where she was staying. On her way, she changed the predetermined route after reaching the 1090 crossroad and started going off in a different direction even as half of the fleet had taken the turn towards Kaul House. "...that is when , for her security, I sought information from her on where she wanted to go. Because she is a categorised protectee it is important to provide security to her in advance, but the party workers refused to divulge any information," Singh has written in the letter.

"Gandhi Vadra then got down from the car and started marching on foot. During this sudden turn of events even I was heckled with and I even fell. Then she stormed off on a two-wheeler with a party worker without a helmet. When she stopped at Polytechnic, we told her that not wearing a helmet is not appropriate for her safety. She de-boarded the two wheeler and walked on foot towards the IPS’ residence," Singh wrote. "I have executed my duty with utmost dedication. Word going around on social media regarding police strangulating and heckling her is completely untrue," she added. The SSP of Lucknow, Kalanidhi Naithani, has defended the cop.


According to her statement, Vadra, who was in town for a party event was on her way to retired IPS officer SR Darapuri's residence, who has been arrested for being against the CAA, when the police took over her car and stopped her from going any further. On being denied explanation for obstructing them she got down from the car and started walking which is when the police surrounded her, "reached for her neck" and even pushed her.