Rahul Gandhi Blocked from Visiting Violence-Hit Sambhal by UP Police

The Congress leader criticized the move as unconstitutional, while officials cited law and order concerns following recent communal unrest.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were stopped by police at the Ghazipur border while attempting to visit Sambhal, where recent violence left four dead and many injured.
Authorities imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders to Sambhal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing communal sensitivity and ongoing investigations.
Rahul Gandhi called the police action a violation of his constitutional rights as Leader of the Opposition, stating he was willing to travel alone under police escort but was still denied entry.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak accused Congress leaders of politicizing the situation and warned against actions that could disrupt law and order in the state.
The November 24 violence in Sambhal was triggered by a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, with claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple, escalating tensions in the area.