A shocking revelation has emerged, exposing that the 2020 Delhi riots were not spontaneous but a meticulously planned conspiracy that had been unfolding since 6 December 2019. Reports indicate that a key Congress office bearer played a crucial role in the orchestration of these events.
The central Congress figure involved was Sachin Rao, a close associate of Rahul Gandhi and a prominent party office bearer. He was a member of the DPSG WhatsApp group, which played a crucial role in planning and coordinating the 2020 Delhi riots.
On 14 December 2019, then-Interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi delivered an aggressive speech at the Bharat Bachao Rally in Ramlila Maidan. She urged people to take to the streets against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), referring to the agitation as an “aar ya paar ki ladai” (a fight to the finish) and suggesting that individuals should be willing to make sacrifices. This speech was later cited by some victims as a contributing factor to the riots.
Investigations have uncovered Congress’ deeper involvement, with evidence linking its student wing, NSUI, to groups coordinating violent protests on university campuses. NSUI member Reetam Singh was reportedly leading efforts to replicate protest strategies from Assam and Hong Kong, advocating for tactics such as “Chakka Jam” (road blockades). This strategy was later mirrored in the Shaheen Bagh protests and the riots in Delhi.
Significantly, the idea of “Chakka Jam” had first emerged on December 7, 2019, when activists Yogendra Yadav and Umar Khalid directed Sharjeel Imam to mobilize youth via social media. According to the Delhi Police chargesheet, a meeting was held on December 26, 2019, at the ISI Lodhi Colony, attended by individuals such as Harsh Mander, Yogendra Yadav, Umar Khalid, and others. It was in this meeting that strategies were formulated, including using women as the face of protests to prevent police intervention.
Further evidence links Congress figures to the conspiracy, with key members of the DPSG (Delhi Protests Support Group) WhatsApp group playing central roles. This group, created on 27 December 2019, was instrumental in coordinating the riots, with accused individuals such as Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam being active participants.
Of particular note is the involvement of Sachin Rao, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi. Rao was added to the DPSG group on 29 December 2019 and remained until 12 March 2020—shortly after the riots concluded. His participation raises questions about Congress’ role in the violence.
What’s DPSG WhatsApp group & Connection With Congress
The DPSG WhatsApp group played a central role in the planning and coordination of the 2020 Delhi riots. It was formed on 27 December 2019, following a key meeting held on 26 December at ISI, Lodhi Colony. This meeting was attended by several prominent individuals, including Harsh Mander, Yogendra Yadav, Umar Khalid, Nadeem Khan, Khalid Saifi, Sahil, Rahul Roy, Saba Dewan, Amrita Johri, and others.
During this meeting, critical decisions were made regarding organizing protests, ensuring demonstrations took place in Muslim-majority areas, emphasizing women’s participation to limit police action, arranging financial resources, and setting up legal support for detained individuals. The formation of the DPSG group was also decided in this gathering, and the minutes of the meeting were later shared in the group by Khalid Saifi.
Following its creation, the DPSG WhatsApp group became a key platform for coordination, with accused individuals such as Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam among its members. Evidence presented in court and investigative reports have repeatedly emphasized the group’s role in planning and executing the riots. Concerns were even raised within the group itself, as one member, identified as “Owais Sultan,” warned about an unfolding conspiracy to incite violence.
A particularly significant revelation from the group’s membership list was the presence of Sachin Rao, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and a senior Congress office bearer. He was added to the group on 29 December 2019, and remained a member until 12 March 2020, when he was removed by the group admins. Given the group’s role in the riots, his continued presence raises questions about his awareness and involvement.
The DPSG group’s origins can be traced back to activist Rahul Roy, a key figure behind the “Not In My Name” protest. When members were initially added, questions arose regarding identity verification. On 29 December, an individual named “PC” insisted that all members disclose their identities, addressing Rahul Roy directly.
In that same message, “PC” also proposed mobilizing people to take to the streets and protect the Shaheen Bagh protest site.
Roy responded that only those present at the 26 December meeting had been added to the group.
During the introduction process, “PC” identified himself as Priyadarshi Chowdhury, a former serviceman linked to the Gandhi Peace Foundation and known for his association with the Aam Aadmi Party. At this point, Rahul Roy added another number to the group, which remained silent until 3 February 2020.
On this date, the individual using a number finally introduced himself as “Sachin Rao” and disclosed his affiliation with Congress. His presence in the group, which had already been flagged for inciting violence, raises critical concerns regarding the extent of political involvement in the conspiracy behind the riots.
Who Is Congress’ Sachin Rao?
Sachin Rao, who identified himself as “affiliated with Congress,” holds a more significant position within the party than a simple association. An analysis of the phone number added to the DPSG (Delhi Protests Support Group) WhatsApp group suggests that Sachin Rao is not only a key office-bearer in Congress but also a close associate of Rahul Gandhi.
According to the AICC (All India Congress Committee) office-bearers’ list, Sachin Rao, registered with the same mobile number, is designated as the in-charge of training for the Congress’ publication, Sandesh. Additionally, Rao serves as a “permanent invitee” to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s highest decision-making body.
Sachin Rao’s Political Role And Association with Rahul Gandhi
Sachin Rao has been widely recognized as a close and trusted aide of Rahul Gandhi. In 2022, when veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned, he penned a letter criticizing Rahul Gandhi’s reliance on his personal assistants and advisors. Among the names mentioned in Azad’s letter was Sachin Rao.
According to The Statesman, “Sachin Rao, who heads the Congress training cell, has moved out of Rahul Gandhi’s office, but his advice remains influential. He studied at Michigan Business School.”
Media reports have repeatedly highlighted Sachin Rao’s role within Rahul Gandhi’s inner circle since 2009.
- In 2009, Open Magazine reported that Rao was handpicked by Rahul Gandhi for his team.
- In 2013, Times of India described him as a key member of Rahul’s core team.
- India Today noted that while Rao rarely traveled with Gandhi, he played an important role in shaping social-sector policies, internal research, and coordinating activities of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).
- In 2015, Business Standard listed Rao as part of Rahul Gandhi’s “2.0 team,” emphasizing that he was personally selected by Gandhi.
- In 2018, News18 identified Rao as an integral member of Rahul’s core team.
- In 2019, The Print described Rao as part of Rahul’s “Office of RG,” a team formed after he became Congress President in 2017. This team included a mix of political and non-political figures such as Nikhil Alva, Alankar Sawai, K. Raju, Praveen Chakravarty, Sandeep Singh, and K.B. Byju.
As recently as 2024, journalist Rasheed Kidwai described Sachin Rao as a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi.
Sachin Rao’s Presence In DPSG Group And His Removal
Sachin Rao was added to the DPSG WhatsApp group shortly after its creation. According to statements made by group members, only individuals present at the December 26, 2019, meeting were added. Rao introduced himself in the group on 3 February 2020—just hours after a message was sent requesting all members to identify themselves. This suggests that Rao was actively monitoring the group’s discussions.
However, on 12 March 2020, Sachin Rao was removed from the group by Rahul Roy. Another individual, Athar Khan, was also removed on the same day.
The timing of these removals is notable.
- The first arrest related to the Delhi riots took place on 5 March 2020.
- A broader conspiracy investigation (FIR 59/2020) was registered on 6 March 2020.
- The first arrest in the conspiracy case was made on 9 March 2020.
- By 11 March 2020, news of the arrests became public.
On 11 March one of the group members, Mariya Salim, urged that the DPSG group be deleted and that all members clear their chat histories, suggesting they reconvene on the Signal app. Rahul Roy then advised all members to delete their messages individually. Immediately after this exchange, on 12 March Sachin Rao and Athar Khan were removed from the group.
Significance Of Sachin Rao’s Removal
Athar Khan has since been identified as a key figure in the Delhi riots conspiracy. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with the investigation highlighting his involvement in planning violent protests and road blockades during the visit of the U.S. President in February 2020.
Court documents cite multiple witness statements and WhatsApp chats indicating that Athar Khan participated in key meetings where violent escalation was discussed. His role in the conspiracy was considered substantial enough for the court to deny him bail in 2022, stating that the allegations against him were prima facie true.
Given these circumstances, Athar Khan’s removal from the DPSG group after the arrests became public appears understandable. However, Sachin Rao’s removal at the same time raises further questions, especially given his close association with Rahul Gandhi and his presence in the group.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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