India
Right‑wing Groups Attack Protesters and Journalists in Delhi Amid Heavy Police Presence
On Saturday, men from right‑wing organisations assaulted protesters and journalists in Connaught Place and near the MCD Civic Centre, even as more than 25,000 security personnel surrounded the centre of the capital. At Palika Bazaar around 2.30 pm, a group of over 30 men claiming affiliation with the Bajrang Dal shouted slogans and threatened journalists, saying, “You all are showing fake news for CJP. We will protect Delhi Police since they can’t use arms against you.” Police chased the men away and detained some of them about half an hour later.
In another incident near the MCD Civic Centre, men from the Hindustan Raksha Dal dragged, assaulted and threatened both women and men on the street. A widely shared video showed protesters being slapped, kicked and beaten; a young woman was dragged and beaten by two men until her sister pulled her away. She said, “Nobody came to save me. Delhi police saw everything.” Senior Delhi Police officers claimed they rescued the woman, helped her and removed the men from the spot. No FIR has been filed against the men at the time of reporting.
A 21‑year‑old media student from Shahdara, who was hiding at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, said he and two friends were targeted by both the police and the men. He recounted that the men entered the protest three times since the previous night, that police did not stop them, and that his friend was hit on the head but escaped. He added that they were making videos as media students but were threatened and abused.
The Hindustan Times reached out to the Bajrang Dal, several Delhi Police spokespersons and the deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi) for comment but received no response.
Frequently asked questions
How many security personnel were present around the MCD Civic Centre?
More than 25,000 security personnel surrounded the centre.
Which right‑wing groups were involved in the attacks?
Men from the Bajrang Dal and Hindustan Raksha Dal were involved.
Was a First Information Report (FIR) filed against the attackers?
No FIR has been filed against the men at the time of reporting.