Why is Delhi police 'snooping' on Rahul?

Rahul Gandhi’s privacy has been invaded, says a fuming Congress after Delhi police visit his office, asks what he looks like. Renu Mittal reports from Delhi  

Congress leaders are miffed after the Delhi police has been reportedly snooping around Rahul Gandhi’s office. A police team visited the office in the Congress headquarters last week and asked personal questions about its vice president -- about his looks, his height, the colour of his hair and eyes.

Sources in Delhi police have confirmed to the media that they were conducting a security survey. Calling it a routine enquiry, police said they wanted to know how many personnel were deployed to secure the Congress leader.

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A senior leader, who did not want to be named, said it was most upsetting that the Delhi police had been prying and asking questions about Rahul. Another senior party leader has called it an “invasion of Rahul Gandhi’s privacy”.  They are also intrigued about the reason behind such a visit.

The ministry of home affairs has asked for a report from the Delhi police in this regard, according to reports in a certain section of the media.  

Rahul extended his leave from the Congress earlier this week and is expected to return by March end. He has been away for almost a month now, having left on February 16 and has been severely criticised for from missing the crucial Budget sessions.

The Congress has been mum about his whereabouts, but there is speculation that he took a flight to Bangkok. After almost a month of Vipasana, he is now headed towards Europe, reports in the media suggest.

Interestingly, Rahul does not travel with the Special Protection Group that is responsible for his security. And this time is no different.   

There is, however, speculation that the government and its various agencies know where he is and are keeping a watch on him.

The news of Delhi police visiting Rahul’s office is expected to find an echo in Parliament with Congress leaders likely to ask the government for an explanation. The coming week is the last of the first half of the Budget session and the government is keen to bring in the Land Acquisition Bill.  In such a scenario, it remains to be seen how the Congress takes up the Rahul issue.