Families of Delhi Police personnel injured during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar have come forward to demand a thorough investigation into the clashes, alleging that their loved ones were subjected to sustained violence. The families held a press conference on Friday, asserting that police officers were deliberately targeted and physically assaulted by individuals they claim were anti-social elements who infiltrated the demonstration.
Families Allege Targeted Attacks During Protest
According to the families, several police personnel sustained serious injuries, with some still undergoing medical treatment. One account detailed how a sub-inspector was allegedly dragged by a mob and remained unconscious for several hours after being admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. His uniform was reportedly soaked in blood upon his return home, highlighting the severity of the assault.
The families stated that while the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, the safety of police personnel performing their duty must also be ensured. They expressed concern that the suffering of injured officers and their families had been overlooked amidst broader narratives surrounding the protest.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the clashes occurred during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of the then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The protest, which began earlier in July, saw multiple confrontations between students and police, resulting in numerous injuries on both sides.
Allegations of Infiltration and Demand for Accountability
The families alleged that anti-social elements infiltrated the CJP protest, escalating the violence against law enforcement officers. They are calling for strict action against those responsible for attacking police personnel in uniform and have requested a transparent probe into the incidents.
This comes in the wake of the Delhi government announcing that no action would be taken against students involved in the Jantar Mantar protest, a decision that has drawn reactions. The CJP founder, Abhijeet Dipke, while expressing sympathy for the injured police officers, also pointed to alleged brutality against students by the police. Dipke suggested that ‘goons’ sent by political parties may have been responsible for the violence against the police, rather than the student protesters themselves.
Further complicating the situation, reports from July 25 indicated that Uttar Pradesh Police had detained a CJP volunteer’s family members and seized documents, an action which the volunteer alleged was intended to pressure him due to his role in the agitation. The Meerut Police, however, denied any such action against the volunteer’s family.
Broader Context of the Jantar Mantar Protests
The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar had been ongoing for 36 days, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The agitation gained significant attention, particularly after clashes erupted on July 20 during a ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, where police deployed batons and tear gas. Over 200 people, including more than 100 police personnel, were reported injured during these earlier confrontations.
In a separate development, police scrutiny of individuals present at the protest site had identified a significant number with previous criminal records. According to official sources, out of 2,873 people screened, 989 had criminal histories that included serious offenses such as murder, robbery, rape, and kidnapping.
The Supreme Court has also intervened, ordering an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the violence. The Court emphasized the need for accountability for all parties involved, whether from law enforcement or among the protesters, and highlighted serious allegations, including the use of pellet guns and electric batons, as well as attacks on journalists.
The Delhi Police had initiated a comprehensive investigation, analyzing over 250 pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage and mobile videos, to identify those involved in the violence and vandalism that occurred. Restaurants and cafes that supplied food to the protest site were also reportedly contacted by the police as part of the broader inquiry.
The Chenab Times News Desk