December 2, 2024: Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has vowed to go ahead with his planned visit to the violence-hit district of Sambhal, despite receiving a police notice urging him to call off the trip. The notice, issued by the Uttar Pradesh Police, raised concerns about potential law and order issues following recent unrest in the area. Rai, however, remains resolute in his decision, insisting that the visit is crucial to investigate alleged police brutality and government misconduct.

“They have issued me a notice and asked me to postpone the visit,” Rai told reporters. “But we will go peacefully to understand the situation and the atrocities committed by the police and the government.”

The Congress leader is determined to proceed with the fact-finding mission, which he claims is being obstructed by the state administration. Rai criticized the state government's decision to extend the ban on outsiders entering Sambhal until December 10, accusing the BJP-led government of using the restrictions to prevent an independent investigation into the violence that has plagued the region.

“The government is scared that the truth will be exposed. They will try to stop us, but we will still try to go. No matter how many policemen they deploy, we will go to Sambhal,” he added, reaffirming his commitment to the trip.

The tension around Rai’s visit escalated further as Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also condemned the actions of the state government. Yadav criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as attempts to prevent anyone from visiting the area. “They (BJP) don't want to let anyone go there. Those who commit sins always try to hide it,” Yadav stated.

In preparation for the delegation's visit, heavy security was deployed around the Congress office in Lucknow, where Rai and other party leaders spent the night. Local police, along with the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), barricaded the office to prevent the Congress delegation from leaving for Sambhal. Despite the heightened security, the Congress delegation, led by Rai, is scheduled to leave for Sambhal at 12:15 p.m. today.

The situation in Sambhal has drawn widespread attention in recent days, with reports of escalating violence and alleged police excesses. The Congress delegation's visit is seen as a critical step in investigating these claims, with Rai pledging to document the situation on the ground and hold the government accountable for any wrongdoings.