Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Udit Raj Detained After Manusmriti Burning Protest Outside RSS Headquarters
Udit Raj and other Congress workers protested outside an RSS office in Delhi.
They were angry about a police case against Rahul Gandhi.
The case began after a purification ceremony was held at a place where Mallikarjun Kharge had spoken.
Gandhi had called the ceremony another form of untouchability and asked police to act against those responsible.
A complainant said Gandhi’s comments hurt the feelings of Scheduled Caste people.
During the protest, people burned copies of the Manusmriti and RSS uniforms as symbols of opposition to caste discrimination.
They said India should be governed by the Constitution, which promises equality and social justice.
Police detained Raj and several other protesters.
The reports differ on whether the detention occurred on Monday or Tuesday.
Congress leader Udit Raj led a protest outside the RSS headquarters in Delhi over an FIR against Rahul Gandhi.
Protesters burned copies of the Manusmriti and RSS uniforms, calling for governance based on the Constitution.
The demonstration followed an FIR filed after Rahul Gandhi criticized a purification ritual at a Haldwani rally venue.
The FIR was based on a complaint alleging Gandhi’s remarks hurt Scheduled Caste community sentiments.
Delhi Police detained Raj and several protesters, with reports placing the detention on Monday or Tuesday.
- Who
- Congress leader Udit Raj led the protest; Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Delhi Police and complainant Amit Kumar are central to the dispute.
- What
- Raj was detained while protesting an FIR against Gandhi and burning copies of the Manusmriti outside the RSS headquarters.
- When
- The FIR was registered on August 30; the protest was reported as occurring on Monday in one account and Tuesday in another.
- Where
- The protest took place outside the Keshav Kunj RSS headquarters in Delhi; the underlying dispute concerns Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- Congress workers opposed the FIR against Gandhi and protested what they described as the alleged insult of Kharge and caste-based discrimination.
Indian National Congress and Rahul Gandhi
Complainant and Authorities
Purification ritual
Indian National Congress and Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi described the ritual as another name for untouchability and said it violated the SC/ST Act.
Complainant and Authorities
The complainant alleged that Gandhi’s remarks about the controversy hurt the sentiments of the Scheduled Caste community.
Who should face an FIR
Indian National Congress and Rahul Gandhi
Raj and Gandhi demanded action against those who conducted the purification ritual, arguing that Kharge had been disrespected.
Complainant and Authorities
Amit Kumar’s complaint led Haldwani police to register an FIR against Gandhi under provisions including the SC/ST Act.
Meaning of the protest
Indian National Congress and Rahul Gandhi
Congress protesters said burning the Manusmriti symbolized opposition to caste discrimination and support for equality, social justice and constitutional rights.
Complainant and Authorities
Police detained Raj and other protesters during the demonstration; the reports do not provide a response from the RSS.
- Protest location
- The demonstration was held outside the Keshav Kunj Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters in Delhi.
- Protest actions
- Hundreds of protesters reportedly burned copies of the Manusmriti and RSS uniforms.
- FIR date
- Haldwani City Kotwali Police registered the FIR on August 30.
- Complaint
- Amit Kumar, a 26-year-old Haldwani resident and Valmiki community member, filed the complaint.
- Underlying event
- A purification ritual was conducted at the Haldwani venue where Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a Congress rally on August 8.
- Legal provisions
- The FIR cites Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(u) of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 199 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
- Police action
- Delhi Police detained Udit Raj and several protesters and activists; organisers said they were taken to Paharganj police station.
