Rahul Gandhi Escapes Convoy Accident on Purvanchal Expressway, Later Gets Major Relief in 2018 Defamation Case

Sultanpur, October 26, 2026: Several vehicles travelling behind Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's car collided on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning, injuring Congress workers, party office-bearers and security personnel. Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was not involved in the accident and remained safe.

The accident occurred while Gandhi was travelling from Lucknow to Sultanpur to attend court proceedings in a 2018 criminal defamation case. He later reached the court, where he was acquitted.

How Did the Accident Happen on Purvanchal Expressway?

Rahul Gandhi arrived at Lucknow airport on the morning of October 26 and continued his journey to Sultanpur by road.

At around 10:15 am, several vehicles accompanying his convoy collided near the 89.5–91 km mark of the Purvanchal Expressway, within the Haliyapur police station area of Sultanpur district.

According to reports, a private vehicle belonging to local Congress leaders, travelling ahead of other accompanying vehicles, suddenly applied its brakes for an unspecified reason.

This triggered a chain collision involving several vehicles. Different reports mentioned between three and five cars, along with an ambulance travelling with or near the group.

Gandhi's own vehicle was further ahead and was not involved in the collision.

Congress Workers and Security Personnel Injured

Several people, including Congress workers, party office-bearers and security personnel, sustained injuries in the accident and were taken for medical treatment.

Some initial reports indicated that there were no serious injuries, although accounts differed on the exact number of injured people and the severity of their injuries.

Following the accident, the convoy resumed its journey, and Rahul Gandhi reached the Sultanpur court safely.

Uttar Pradesh Police Forms Three-Member SIT

Uttar Pradesh Police subsequently constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the accident.

The team, headed by the IG of Lucknow Range, will examine the causes and circumstances of the collision, including any possible lapses in security arrangements, escort procedures or traffic management.

What Was the 2018 Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi?

The criminal defamation case originated from remarks Rahul Gandhi allegedly made on May 8, 2018, during a press conference or rally in Bengaluru ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections.

His comments referred to then-BJP national president Amit Shah, now Union Home Minister, in connection with a murder case linked to the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. Shah had previously been discharged in that case.

Local BJP leader Vijay Mishra, who was then the party's district vice-president and chairman of the Sultanpur District Cooperative Bank, filed a criminal defamation complaint against Gandhi on August 4, 2018.

The complaint was filed under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Mishra alleged that Gandhi's remarks had hurt him as a BJP worker.

Sultanpur Court Acquits Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi was summoned in the case in November 2023. He appeared before the court and secured bail in early 2024, after which the matter proceeded through arguments and hearings.

The Special MP/MLA Court in Sultanpur, presided over by Additional Civil Judge Shubham Verma, had reserved its judgment and scheduled the verdict for October 26, 2026. Gandhi was required to appear in person.

The court acquitted Gandhi on Monday. According to reports, the verdict cited a lack of sufficient evidence, while some accounts said the court found that the remarks were not defamatory in nature.

Gandhi was present in the courtroom when the verdict was pronounced. Congress workers and supporters celebrated outside the court following his acquittal.

The day saw two separate developments involving the Congress leader: a collision among vehicles accompanying his convoy on the way to Sultanpur and his subsequent acquittal in the long-pending defamation case.

While Gandhi remained unharmed in the road accident, the SIT investigation into the collision is continuing.