Police in Kota, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, 3 November, served a formal notice to former MLA and Congress leader Prahlad Gunjal over alleged threats directed at Rajiv Datta, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The notice directs Gunjal to appear before the police for questioning within seven days.

The Alleged Threat and Its Origins

The controversy traces back to a public gathering held at Kolana village on 21 October, during which Gunjal allegedly issued an open threat against Datta. According to reports, the Congress leader said, “He has brought disgrace across Rajasthan. Datta-ji, our ‘guru’—who does he think he is? Look at the hooliganism he is engaging in! I am saying this in front of everyone: just wait for the government to change.”

Gunjal reportedly went further, adding: “I will leave Datta in such a state that, while sitting at home, he will be forced to contemplate whether he should commit suicide or take a gun and kill someone.” A video of the remarks subsequently surfaced, prompting a case to be registered on the complaint of Constable and Intelligence Officer Pushpendra Chaudhary.

How the Notice Was Served

A team led by Mahesh Kumar, Circle Inspector (CI) of Anantpura police station, visited Gunjal's residence to serve the notice. It was issued under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). CI Kumar also noted that a case related to violation of the Model Code of Conduct had previously been registered against Gunjal at Ranpur police station.

The police have registered a case under Sections 223(a), 132 and 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act. A pen drive containing video footage of the gathering has been seized and placed on record as evidence.

Gunjal's Response: Political Vendetta Claim

Acknowledging that officers had visited his home, Gunjal confirmed the notice but said he had declined the 10 November summons. “We shall see what happens when the next date is set. Who is afraid of arrest?” he said. He alleged political vendetta, questioning the legal provisions invoked and claiming the sections cited were not applicable to his case.

Gunjal also disputed the authenticity and timing of the video, suggesting it may have been obtained by police through an informant and could be “even two years old.” He further characterised Rajiv Datta as a contractual employee who had already retired from government service, appearing to question Datta’s standing in the matter.

What the Police Allege

According to the police report, the allegations against Gunjal include organising a gathering at a temple without prior permission, violating Election Commission directives, inciting members of the public, and issuing criminal threats. An examination of the video footage allegedly showed Gunjal instigating the crowd during the event.

What Happens Next

With Gunjal having declined the initial summons date, police are expected to set a fresh date for questioning. The seizure of video evidence and the invocation of multiple BNS sections suggest investigators are building a formal charge sheet. The case adds a sharp political dimension to the run-up to any forthcoming electoral cycle in Rajasthan, given both Gunjal's Congress affiliation and the involvement of the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office.