India
Delhi Police Report Assaults During Opposition Protest, DCP Blames ‘Wrongful Influence’
Constable Devender Sandhu said police were calmly asking protesters to board buses when some demonstrators began pushing officers. He alleged that officers were pushed, kicked and attacked while detaining peaceful demonstrators at a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Sandhu claimed that protesters broke the officers’ nameplates, snatched their caps and threw them away, and then pulled officers from behind and pushed them to the ground. He said he suffered injuries to his waist and the back of his head and that police had not used force against the protesters.
Delhi Police DCP Shrishti Pandey said the alleged targeting of police during the protest was concerning and that “some form of wrongful influence” was leading young people to such behaviour. She said abusing or physically attacking uniformed personnel while they are carrying out their duties does not send a positive message to society.
Head Constable Bhupender Ahlawat also alleged that police were attacked during the pushing and shoving. He rejected claims that officers had beaten women protesters, saying footage showed that “we didn’t physically touch any ladies or beat anyone up.” He said protesters pushed officers to the ground and kicked them, but that police continued to assist those who fell.
A woman constable who said she was assaulted described the incident as upsetting but said police had to continue with their duties. She added that she had no time to go to a doctor.
Another constable, Ankit Kasana, alleged that he was attacked while officers were trying to move Rahul Gandhi’s vehicle through the protest area. He said protesters blocked the vehicle and that someone grabbed him from behind, tore his uniform and broke a button. Kasana was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for examination.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions between the Opposition and the Election Commission over the revision of electoral rolls. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained on consecutive days as Opposition MPs attempted to march towards protest sites in the national capital. On October 6, the two Congress leaders were among Opposition MPs stopped by police while attempting to march towards the Election Commission’s office. After the march was halted, the protesters staged a sit‑in at Akashvani Bhawan, where Rahul and Priyanka remained with other Opposition leaders before police moved to clear the gathering.
Delhi Police have registered three FIRs in connection with the protest, including allegations of assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police officers.
Frequently asked questions
Who reported assaults on Delhi Police officers during the protest?
Constable Devender Sandhu, Head Constable Bhupender Ahlawat, a woman constable, and Constable Ankit Kasana reported assaults.
What did Delhi Police DCP Shrishti Pandey say about the assaults?
She said the targeting of police was concerning and that some form of wrongful influence was leading young people to such behaviour, and that abusing or physically attacking uniformed personnel does not send a positive message to society.
How many FIRs were registered by Delhi Police in connection with the protest?
Delhi Police have registered three FIRs in connection with the protest, including allegations of assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police officers.