Congress allegations of 'snooping 'on Rahul Gandhi 'misplaced', says Rijiju

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the profiling of 'vulnerable' leaders was a routine procedure by the Delhi Police, adding that the allegations by the Congress with regard to the issue were 'misplaced'.

"This particular issue about the charge of snooping against Rahul Gandhi is totally misplaced. The government has clarified in the Parliament that it is not any case of espionage or snooping because the special branch of Delhi Police conducts routine exercise in terms of providing performa to the political leaders who are vulnerable. When all the political leaders are providing information by filling up the proforma then there should be no issue with Rahul Gandhi," Rijiju said.

"There are several political leaders whose information is being sought by special branch of Delhi police from time to time. It has been going on since 1957, it is a routine practice," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Congress confronted the BJP-led government at the Centre over the alleged political espionage against its vice-president Rahul Gandhi by the Delhi Police.

The Delhi Police personnel had last week visited Rahul Gandhi's office and sought details about his height and colour of eyes and hair.

The Delhi Police, however, later said it was a routine security enquiry and that there was no mala fide intention behind it.