Haryana BJP leader Manish Grover accused of threatening Superintendent of Police, EC demands response

A recent confrontation between BJP and Congress workers in Rohtak has taken a dramatic twist, leading to serious allegations against former BJP minister Manish Grover. The incident, which occurred on Railway Road, has sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding Grover's alleged threat to Rohtak Superintendent of Police (SP) Himanshu Garg.

The controversy began when Advocate Karan Narang, representing the Congress, filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India, accusing Grover of issuing a threat to the SP during a protest staged outside the SP's residence. The protest, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct, led to accusations of police assault by BJP supporters. In response, the Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana has demanded a detailed report from Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar by August 30, 2024.

Allegations Against Manish Grover

According to the complaint, Grover and his supporters were involved in an illegal protest outside the SP’s residence, during which Grover allegedly threatened SP Garg, saying he would "deal with him" after a month. This statement was reportedly made during a heated exchange, captured on video, which has since gone viral on social media. The Election Commission has taken the matter seriously, ordering an investigation into both the alleged threat and the illegal protest.

Grover’s Response

Manish Grover has denied issuing any threats, asserting that his remarks were taken out of context. He claimed that he was merely urging the SP to take action on a complaint filed by a Dalit woman against Congress workers, who allegedly harassed her while she was distributing pamphlets. Grover stated that the protest was organized in response to the police’s inaction, as the woman was reportedly kept waiting at the police station for several hours without her complaint being registered.

Grover further clarified that his remarks were directed at ensuring justice for the Dalit woman after the election, not at threatening the SP. He accused the police of siding with Congress and neglecting the concerns of the BJP supporters.

Ongoing Investigation

The Election Commission has instructed the Rohtak Deputy Commissioner to submit a report by the deadline, ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly investigated. The incident has raised tensions in the region as the Haryana Assembly elections approach.