India's Congress party terms police visit to Rahul Gandhi's residence political espionage

India's main opposition Congress party Saturday lashed out at the government over the visit of a Delhi Police official to the residence of party vice president Rahul Gandhi in the national capital, terming it as " political espionage."

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said that the party would take up the issue in the Indian Parliament as Rahul Gandhi is protected by the elite Special Protection Guard, which also guards the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and so all information about him is already available.

"A Delhi Police official had visited Rahul Gandhi's residence and inquired about the colors of Rahul's hairs, eyes, age, height, the shoes he wears and his father's name and the places he visits. It is a case of political espionage and snooping on rivals," he told the media.

He added: "India is a proud democracy, not a police state. We are a vibrant democracy. This kind of political espionage is condemnable."

The Congress has also demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister's Office, which has denied any role into the police visit, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has said that the visit of a police official to Gandhi's residence was a routine security check, rejecting the allegations of political snooping.

"Rahul Gandhi was not targeted by the police. It was a routine activity which is done to keep records of vulnerable personalities, " Delhi Police commissioner B.S. Bassi said.

The BJP has dismissed the allegations of political espionage and blamed the Congress for politicizing every issue. Endi