Panic at BJP’s Tiranga Rally as Unknown Man Approaches Former Minister Anurag Thakur

Shimla, May 23:
A brief moment of panic erupted during the BJP’s Tiranga Rally in Shambhuwala village, part of the Nahan Assembly constituency, when an unidentified man attempted to approach former Union Minister Anurag Thakur. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM on Sunday as Thakur arrived to participate in the rally along the Paonta Sahib highway.

A video of the incident shows BJP state president and former Speaker Dr. Rajeev Bindal intervening to stop the individual. Rally volunteers, concerned for security, demanded that the man produce his Aadhaar card. Eyewitnesses said the man had merged into the crowd and suddenly moved toward Anurag Thakur, raising suspicions and prompting immediate action. He was swiftly detained and handed over to the police.

During questioning, the individual was identified as Rashid, son of Abdul Rehman, a resident of Habibgarh in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. According to police, Rashid was reportedly suffering from mental stress and had come to Nahan seeking respite. He had been caught in the traffic jam caused by the rally near Shambhuwala and, at one point, bent down to pick up a ₹500 note from the road—an act that led onlookers to suspect him of pickpocketing, triggering further commotion.

At the police station, Rashid told officers he was going through marital issues and had been under significant psychological strain. His Aadhaar details and phone numbers were verified and found to be authentic. Dr. Rajeev Bindal’s PSO, Heera Singh, was informed, and after speaking with Dr. Bindal, conveyed that Anurag Thakur had requested no legal action be taken in connection with the incident.

Sirmaur SP Nishchint Singh Negi confirmed the events and stated that the individual had been thoroughly verified and posed no apparent threat. He added that the police remain alert and are closely monitoring the situation.