Rahul Gandhi-Ajmal Kasab comparison: Congress Seva Dal files cyber complaint against former IAF officer | Today’s news
The Congress Seva Dal has filed a cyber complaint against retired Indian Air Force lieutenant Anoop Verma over a social media post comparing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Ajmal Kasab, a convicted terrorist involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
On Tuesday, Verma shared a collage at X with Rahul Gandhi and Kasab, both carrying bags. Gandhi was on the left in the picture.
“I can tell you with all conviction that the person on the left is far more dangerous to Bharat,” Verma wrote.
The post sparked a political row for comparing Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, with Kasab, who was convicted for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The Congress Seva Dal says it will handle the matter legally
The Congress Seva Dal’s legal cell said the matter would be taken up through “appropriate legal channels”.
The organization said it “will not tolerate any malicious or illegal acts directed at the Congress party and its leaders or members”.
“We are determined to challenge any illegal act that seeks to denigrate constitutional authorities, defame Congressional leaders, or equate democratic dissent with terrorism, as alleged in this case.”
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The organization also referred to the constitutional protection of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19, noting that these freedoms are subject to legal restrictions.
It said it would seek redress under the Constitution, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant cyber laws.
“No one is above the law and accountability must be ensured through due process,” they said.
Retired IAF officer calls out Rahul Gandhi-Kasab comparison
The post also drew a reaction from retired Indian Air Force officer Sgt Karmveer Singh, who said a cyber complaint had been filed and criticized the comparison between Gandhi and the convicted terrorist.
“You are comparing the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) to a CONVICTED TERRORIST,” Singh wrote on X.
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Singh said political dissent was part of democracy, but that “respect and decency should remain non-negotiable”.
“You served in the military, keep at least some decency and dignity… You can criticize LoP without making such comparisons. Disagreement is democratic. Respect and decency should not be negotiable,” he wrote on X.
“Democracy allows for deep political differences, but to stoop to this level threatens basic human decency and democratic values. As a veteran who proudly served the IAF for 24 years, I find your cheap antics an absolute disgrace. Your behavior is a matter of deep shame for you and your family.”
“Wearing a uniform once does not give you the license to act like a political troll,” he added.
Who was Ajmal Kasab?
Kasab was the only live attacker captured during the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Ten terrorists carried out coordinated attacks across Mumbai between 26 and 29 November, killing 166 people and injuring 238. Security forces captured Kasab and killed nine other attackers during the operation.
A special court in Bombay convicted Kasab and sentenced him to death. The Bombay High Court upheld the sentence.
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On August 29, 2012, the Supreme Court rejected his appeal and upheld the death sentence. The Supreme Court convicted him of many crimes, including murder and waging war against the Indian government.
Authorities executed Kasab by hanging at Pune’s Yerwada Central Jail on 21 November 2012 after the authorities rejected his plea for mercy.
