Pune: Defamation Lawsuit Against Rahul Gandhi Over Allegations Against Savarkar – Kin Questions Delay In Police Investigation
Mubarak Ansari & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 4th April 2024: A lawsuit has been filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly defaming freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The police are currently investigating the matter, although Savarkar’s great-grandnephew, Satyaki Savarkar (41), has voiced concerns about the delay in the investigation.
Expressing his frustration with the pace of the investigation, Satyaki Savarkar addressed reporters in Pune, questioning whether there is any undue pressure on the police. “Why is there so much delay in the police investigation?” he queried. Satyaki urged the concerned authorities within the police and the government to prioritize the matter and expedite the investigation process.
Also present on the occasion were Adv. Sangram Kolhatkar, Adv. Shivraj Joshi, Shree Rahul Bhangonde, and Dr. Sachin Bodhani.
Last year during an event in London, Rahul Gandhi made accusations against Savarkar, alleging his involvement in the abhorrent act of mob lynching.
According to Satyaki’s assertions, Rahul Gandhi purportedly made defamatory remarks in London, alleging that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had authored a book detailing the assault of a Muslim individual by himself and several associates, expressing pleasure in the act. Satyaki refuted these claims, stating that no such book exists, nor has any such incident occurred.
Satyaki lodged a case in the judicial magistrate court and presented various news reports and a YouTube link featuring Gandhi’s speech in London as corroborative evidence. During the proceedings, Satyaki and two witnesses provided their testimonies.
In January 2024, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Akshi Jain instructed the Pune City Police to undertake an inquiry into the defamation allegations pursuant to Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and furnish its findings by February 23. However, the Vishrambaug police station, following the court’s directive, initiated the inquiry but has yet to submit its report.
On April 2, the police requested an extension from the court to finalize their investigation and deliver the report. They cited difficulties in procuring necessary information from YouTube, such as user profiles, IP addresses, and emails linked to the video of Rahul Gandhi’s speech.
Consequently, the court granted an extension, stating, “Considering all submissions, time is granted till the next date.”
The next hearing is scheduled for May 27.
