‘More Dangerous for Bharat’: Ex-IAF Officer Compares Rahul Gandhi With Ajmal Kasab; Complaint Filed

A political controversy has erupted after former Indian Air Force officer Flight Lieutenant Anoop Verma (Retd.) shared a post on social media comparing Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi with Ajmal Kasab, the convicted terrorist involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

In the post, Verma shared images of Gandhi and Kasab and wrote that the person shown on the left was “far more dangerous for Bharat.” The post was reported to have been published on September 28, 2026.

Cyber complaint filed

The Congress Seva Dal Legal Cell has reportedly filed a cyber complaint against Verma over the social-media post. According to the complaint details reported by ABC National News, the matter was categorised as an online and social-media-related crime, with “provocative speech for unlawful acts” mentioned as a sub-category.

The complainant has sought preservation of the social-media post and associated digital evidence, including metadata, along with registration of an FIR and further legal action.

The complaint reportedly cites provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 196, 353 and 356, as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act. The applicability of specific provisions, however, would depend on the police investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

What did Anoop Verma post?

Verma, who identifies himself online as a retired Flight Lieutenant, has previously made comments on political and national-security issues. In the disputed post, he placed Rahul Gandhi's photograph alongside that of Ajmal Kasab and said he could state “with all conviction” that the person on the left was more dangerous for India.

The statement has drawn criticism from Congress supporters and the party's legal wing, which has argued that political criticism and disagreement should not extend to such comparisons.

Legal and political context

The complaint does not by itself establish that a criminal offence has been committed. Whether the post violates any law will depend on the findings of the relevant authorities and, if necessary, judicial proceedings.

The controversy comes amid heightened political exchanges on social media involving Rahul Gandhi, the Congress and the BJP-led government. Political parties and their supporters have increasingly used social-media platforms to make sharp accusations against opponents, while complaints over allegedly objectionable or provocative posts have also become more common.

For now, the reported cyber complaint places the controversy before the police and cyber-crime authorities, who will determine whether further action is warranted.

The case remains at the complaint stage, and no judicial finding has established the allegation contained in the social-media post.