Laser was pointed seven times at Rahul Gandhi, claims Congress
What's the story
In a disturbing development, Congress has claimed security was breached during party president Rahul Gandhi's visit in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.
The Gandhi scion had gone to his home turf to file nominations for the upcoming polls when a laser was pointed at him, a record seven times, the party alleged.
A letter has been written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Details
Rahul was targeted after he filed his papers: Congress
The letter was signed by senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, and Randeep Singh Surjewala.
The alleged incident took place after Rahul filed his papers and was interacting with media.
"A laser (green) was pointed at his head, intermittently on at least 7 separate occasions in a short period; including twice at his temple on the right side of the head," it read.
Proof
"This laser could emanate from sniper gun"
To support its claim, Congress also attached a video clip of his interaction.
"A perusal of the video by various persons including former security personnel leads to a prima facie conclusion that this laser could emanate from a potential weapon such as a sniper gun," the letter read.
The leaders wrote they were distressed and shocked at the possibility of any mishap.
Reminder
Congress reminded what happened with Rahul's father and grandmother
Further, the party reminded Singh that Rahul's father Rajiv and grandmother Indira were also assassinated.
"This is also an alarming lapse on part of the UP administration which is responsible for the peripheral security," the letter added.
Congress also said that Rahul's security was the "first responsibility" of the Central government. They claimed he was vulnerable during extensive campaigning for polls.
Nomination
Sister Priyanka lent support to Rahul in Amethi
Rahul was accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Amethi. He is seeking a re-election from his bastion for the fourth time and has been pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani for the second time.
Apart from Amethi, Rahul will also contest polls from Wayanad in Kerala. This is the first time he has been fielded from two Lok Sabha constituencies.
While Wayanad will vote on April 23, Amethi will go to polls on May 6.