Haldwani, Aug. 31 -- Congress leaders and workers, led by Leader of Opposition and MLA Yashpal Arya, staged a protest at the Haldwani Circle Officer's (CO) office on Monday, demanding registration of an FIR over the alleged "purification" of the local Ramlila Maidan.

A tense standoff ensued after Congress workers accused the police of deliberately delaying the registration of their complaint. Drawing comparisons, party members questioned how an FIR was promptly filed against Rahul Gandhi following a complaint, whereas no action was being taken regarding their current grievance.

While the CO offered to issue a formal acknowledgment of the complaint, Congress workers refused to back down, insisting on the immediate lodging of an FIR. Foll...