Congress Worker Dies During Protest Near Uttar Pradesh Assembly Amid Police Brutality Claims

A Congress worker died during a protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday. Ajay Rai, the UP Congress unit chief, claimed police brutality caused the death. The police have filed an FIR and stated that a panel of doctors will conduct a post-mortem. They urged people not to spread rumours about the incident.

Prabhat Pandey, 28, from Gorakhpur, was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. He was brought in an unconscious state from the Congress office to the Civil Hospital in Hazratganj. DCP Central Lucknow Raveena Tyagi confirmed there were no visible injuries on his body. A post-mortem will be conducted and recorded for transparency.

Congress leaders condemned the police's actions during protests in Uttar Pradesh and Assam, which led to two deaths. Rahul Gandhi accused BJP governments of undermining democracy and the Constitution. "Democracy and Constitution have been murdered again in BJP ruled Assam and Uttar Pradesh," he wrote on X.

Condemnation from Congress Leaders

Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences to the families of Prabhat Pandey and Mridul Islam, who died in Assam. He stated that Congress will continue fighting for truth and justice. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised police brutality against party workers in Uttar Pradesh.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted the harsh measures used by BJP governments against Congress workers. She compared these actions to those of the British Raj, accusing BJP of attacking Babasaheb's legacy both in Parliament and on the streets.

Ajay Rai demanded financial compensation for Pandey's family from the Yogi government. He called for Rs 1 crore and a government job for one family member as compensation. Rai also announced Rs 10 lakh assistance from Congress for Pandey's family.

Police Investigation and Response

The police have lodged an FIR against an unknown person regarding Pandey's death. Manish Kumar Pandey, Prabhat's uncle, filed a complaint after receiving a distress call about his nephew being found unconscious at the Congress office.

Sandeep, an acquaintance sent by Manish, found Prabhat with cold hands and feet, indicating a medical emergency. Despite efforts to help him, Prabhat was declared dead at the hospital. Manish suspects foul play due to mysterious circumstances surrounding his nephew's death.

The Lucknow Police issued a statement confirming Prabhat was brought dead to the hospital from the Congress office. Preliminary investigations showed no external injuries on his body. A post-mortem will determine the cause of death.

Official Statements and Public Advisory

The police assured transparency by videographing the post-mortem process. They denied using force during protests at the Congress office and warned against spreading false information that could disrupt law and order.

The Lucknow Police Commissionerate urged people to rely on official sources for updates and not believe rumours. They emphasised respecting public sentiments while maintaining law and order in this sensitive matter.

The opposition party protested against issues like farmer distress, unemployment, inflation, privatisation, and law enforcement in UP. Barricades were set up around the Assembly premises to prevent protesters from reaching their destination.