New Delhi: Authorities in riot-hit Saharanpur were bracing for a visit by Rahul Gandhi a day after the Congress leader was denied permission to travel to the strife-torn district in western Uttar Pradesh.
"Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has not been given permission to visit Saharanpur," said Senior Superintendent of Police, Saharanpur, Bablu Kumar.
“Rahul Gandhi will be stopped at Saharanpur border if he tries to enter the district," ADG (Law and Order) Aditya Mishra told PTI.
Saharanpur has witnessed widespread caste-based clashes this month. Violence first broke out in Saharanpur about 40 days ago following a procession to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. On May 5, a person was killed and 15 people were injured in clashes between two communities. About a dozen police vehicles were set ablaze and 12 policemen were injured on May 9.
Police sources told CNN-News18 that three routes had been identified from where Rahul Gandhi could enter Saharanpur — Muzaffarnagar, Badod-Shamli and Panipat Yamuna Nagar. Sources said the police were on high alert at these border areas.
The Centre has sent 400 anti-riot police personnel to Saharanpur to help the state restore peace in the region.
In a related development, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a plea seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the incidents of caste violence. A vacation bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and Navin Sinha said there was no urgency and the PIL may be heard after the court's summer break.(With PTI inputs)
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