RSS Defamation Case: Rahul Gandhi Pleads Not Guilty

Mazgaon metropolitan magistrate’s court also issued summons to Sitaram Yechury in the defamation case.

(Photo: AP)

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday 4 July, plead not guilty in a defamation case filed by an RSS worker against him for allegedly linking journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder with the right-wing organisation.

He was released on a Rs 15,000 surety amount by the Mazgaon Metropolitan Magistrate court.

Eknath Gaikwad, a former member of parliament has given the surety for Rahul Gandhi, news agency ANI reported.

Huge crowds gathered outside the Mumbai court as Rahul Gandhi reached the financial capital to appear before the court.

The Mazgaon metropolitan magistrate's court in February also issued summons to CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury in response to a private complaint filed by Dhrutiman Joshi, a lawyer and worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

As a per a PTI report, Joshi in his complain stated that Gandhi after the death of Lankesh in September 2017, told reporters that the BJP and RSS “attacked” and “killed” people who spoke against their ideologies.

The complaint further alleged that Yechury stated that it was the RSS' ideology and people who killed the Lankesh.

‘Rahul to Attend Hearing’

The initial complaint was also filed against the then-Congress chief, Sonia Gandhi. However, a court dismissed the complaint against her, saying a party cannot be held liable for comments made by individuals, PTI reported.

Meanwhile a party source told the news agency that Gandhi will attend the Thursday’s hearing.

The Congress leader is facing another defamation case filed by a local RSS worker at Bhiwandi, for allegedly blaming the Sangh for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination.

(With inputs from PTI)