US Congressman Ro Khanna condemns attack by Rahul Gandhi's team on Indian journalist Rohit Sharma

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has pledged his full support to India Today reporter Rohit Sharma who said he was attacked by members of Rahul Gandhi's team in DallasTexas. The incident occurred on the sidelines of Rahul Gandhi's recent trip to the United States, which Sharma was reporting on for India Today.

Ro Khanna, in a statement posted on social media, criticized the actions of Gandhi's aides and called the physical attack and seizure of the phones a serious violation of press freedom. “I stand with @DcWalaDesi and fully support the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution,” Khanna wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“He is a fair journalist. Taking away his phones, pushing him and deleting his recordings is unethical and a betrayal of free speech,” added Khanna, a Democratic representative from California's 17th congressional district.

Khanna's remarks came in response to Sharma's detailed account of the incident, which he published in an article for India Today.

The confrontation took place before Rahul Gandhi's arrival at DFW International Airport in Dallas. Ahead of Gandhi's visit to Dallas, Sharma arranged an interview with Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC).

During his interview with Pitroda, Sharma asked four questions. However, when he asked whether Gandhi would raise the issue of attacks and killings of Hindus in Bangladesh in his talks with US lawmakers, the situation escalated.

A member of Gandhi's advance team interrupted him, shouting, “Band karo! Band karo!” – “Stop! Stop the interview!” – and forcibly confiscated Sharma's phone.

Sharma reported that this question led to a physical altercation during which his phone was confiscated and the recordings were deleted by members of Gandhi's team.

After Sharma wrote about the disturbing incident, Sam Pitroda called the journalist to apologise for the incident and vow to investigate the case thoroughly.