Rahul, Priyanka released two hours after detention during Delhi protest

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were released nearly two hours after being detained by Delhi Police during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, as political tensions escalated over the nationwide outrage surrounding alleged exam paper leaks and corruption in India's education system.

The capital witnessed widespread unrest throughout Monday, with thousands of students gathering at Connaught Place, Janpath and Jantar Mantar despite roadblocks, metro station closures, baton charges and tear gas fired by police in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

On Tuesday afternoon, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several senior party leaders staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence after failing to secure assurances during a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over the crackdown on protesting students.

After nearly three-and-a-half hours, police forcibly removed the demonstrators and took them away in buses. During the operation, Rahul Gandhi was seen bleeding from his nose. He and Priyanka Gandhi were released approximately two hours later.

The protests were sparked by allegations of question paper leaks, corruption in the education sector and growing demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On Monday, police used batons and tear gas to disperse students marching towards Parliament, triggering nationwide criticism.

Following his release, Rahul Gandhi posted a series of messages on X, accusing the government of refusing accountability and avoiding parliamentary debate on the issue. He demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Education Minister, alleging that the government had failed the country's youth. He also urged citizens across India to stand in solidarity with the protesting students.