Delhi Police on Monday said that protesters at the Sarsoor Janta Party’s march to Parliament were “unruly, aggressive and violent” as the Abhijit Debaki-led outfit alleged police brutality.
The CJP claimed that women and children were assaulted when Delhi Police attacked protesters with wooden batons throughout the day to prevent them from marching to Parliament.
According to a police statement, despite repeated warnings and legal directives, the demonstrators “refused to disperse and deliberately violated the applicable ban orders.” The police officers also alleged that the protesters “attacked” police personnel with stones and other objects, attempted to breach police barricades, vandalized police vehicles and other government vehicles, damaged public property, and “resorted to large-scale acts of violence, posing a serious threat to public order, established security arrangements, and the safety of police personnel performing their lawful duties.”
“As a result, more than 118 police personnel were injured, including senior officers of the rank of Special Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, in addition to several police personnel. During the clash, around 60 protesters were reported injured. Medico-legal examination (MLC) is underway for the rest of the injured police personnel,” the statement said.
The police also claimed that the “violent mob” caused “serious damage to public property.” Police claimed that about 15 to 20 government vehicles, along with other government properties, were vandalized during the incident.
“Around 70 protesters have been arrested. Appropriate legal action is being taken and an FIR is being registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and other applicable laws regarding rioting, assault on public servants, damage to public property and other offenses committed during the protest,” the statement added.
What happened?
CJP spokesperson Sourav Das and party founder Abhijit Debki alleged that Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmu, was assaulted by the Delhi Police and her hair was pulled in the process.
On July 18, Wangchuk was removed from the protest site and forcibly hospitalized by Delhi Police, citing health issues and a Supreme Court order. He is on the 23rd day of his indefinite hunger strike.
“In response to police brutality against protesters, Sonam Wangchuk has decided to continue his fast,” the CJP said, sharing a handwritten note from Safdarjung Hospital.
Read also | Abhijit Debaki points out CJP will not contest elections, attacks PM Modi over student issues
The CJP also claimed that the clothes of the female protesters were torn.
Delhi Police disputed the allegations. In a fact-checking post on
Earlier, Delhi Police told HT that some protesters pelted stones at security personnel. No video evidence has been found for this claim.
Instead, a video circulated on social media showed police throwing stones at barricades towards protesters.
Mobile internet services were also shut down at the protest site.
The demonstrators, near the Indian Press Club, were also subjected to tear gas canisters by Delhi Police.
Ground footage showed thick clouds of smoke filling the street as demonstrators ran to hide. Many of them were seen coughing, rubbing their eyes and complaining of a burning sensation in the throat. Videos shared by the CJP also showed what looked like tear gas grenade casings on the road.
Police personnel were also seen standing with firearms pointed towards the protest area.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi of AAP said: “The youth of this country have taken to the streets. The charge of inhuman inhumanity and use of tear gas against peaceful protesters is shameful and condemnable. I stand with the students.”
Policemen were also injured, HT found.