Gurugram Congress seeks withdrawal of FIRs over black-flag protest

Eight Congress workers were arrested after black flags were displayed during Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s August 21 visit to Gurugram, police said.

Haryana Congress president Rao Narender Singh led party leaders and workers in a Gurugram demonstration against FIRs registered against Indian Youth Congress and NSUI workers, student leaders, and the district presidents of Gurugram Rural and Gurugram Urban. The party submitted a memorandum to the Gurugram Police Commissioner.

Singh sought withdrawal of the FIRs and alleged that Congress workers and their families were being harassed and intimidated. He also requested independent medical examinations for youth workers, student leaders and district presidents who alleged assault or harassment in police custody. The memorandum sought preservation of CCTV footage and action against any personnel found responsible for wrongdoing.

Police said the arrests were linked to alleged obstruction of VIP security arrangements, disruption of government duty and an attempt to stop the Chief Minister’s convoy. The black-flag protest concerned infrastructure at Gurugram University.

Show-cause notices were issued to the Deputy Commissioners of Police (West) and Crime. Suspension was ordered for the Civil Lines police station SHO and several deployed personnel, while a departmental inquiry was directed against the Intelligence In-charge.