Laser on Rahul Gandhi was a mobile phone light, not a sniper, says government

The government has rejected the Congress allegation of a security breach involving party president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, saying the green light seen on his head came from a mobile phone, not from a marksman. The Congress had raised the matter over the day Gandhi visited the constituency to file his nomination.

What the Congress alleged

In a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, signed by Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the party said a green laser had been aimed at Rahul Gandhi’s head several times while he was talking to the media. The letter said the laser appeared on at least 7 occasions in a short span, including twice on the right side of his head near the temple. A video clip of the media interaction was sent along with it.

The party asked the government to investigate and neutralise any threat, and to make sure the protocol for the Congress president’s security detail was strictly followed. Recalling the assassinations of his father Rajiv Gandhi and grandmother Indira Gandhi, both former prime ministers, the letter described the episode as a matter of grave concern. It said Rahul Gandhi’s security was the primary responsibility of the Union government and the Home Ministry.

The government’s reply

The Ministry of Home Affairs said it had not received any letter about the alleged breach. However, the Director of the Special Protection Group informed the ministry that the green light visible in the video had been traced to a mobile phone used by a photographer of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

See also: Indian National Congress and political leaders

Originally published on 11 April 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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