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Gandhi Protests Arrest of Activists Over Flag Display at Delhi Protest

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised objections to the arrest of two activists, questioning whether displaying the national flag during a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar constitutes a criminal offense. The remarks drew a response from another political figure acknowledging Gandhi's intervention.

LSN India · 14 October 2026

Gandhi Protests Arrest of Activists Over Flag Display at Delhi Protest

Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader, has spoken out against the arrest of Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were detained following their participation in a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Delhi's prominent protest venue. Gandhi questioned the legal basis for the arrests, arguing that hoisting the national tricolor during a peaceful assembly should not be treated as a criminal act.

The two activists, associated with the Citizens for Justice Party (CJP), were apprehended during the demonstration. Gandhi's statement emphasized concerns about the implications of prosecuting individuals for displaying national symbols during lawful protest activities, raising questions about the scope of charges leveled against them.

Abhijit Dipake, responding to Gandhi's public statement, acknowledged the Congress leader's advocacy on the matter. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions surrounding protest rights and police action against demonstrators in the national capital.

The incident has drawn attention to broader questions about the boundaries between legitimate protest activity and criminal conduct in India's political landscape. Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the nature of charges against individuals participating in demonstrations, particularly when national symbols are involved.