Protest over air pollution at India Gate; dozens detained; FIR filed

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Monday registered an FIR a day after protests held at India Gate over rising air pollution in the Delhi. Dozens of people including, parents, concerned citizens, environmental activists and even political leaders were detained on Sunday. The protest was later joined by the animal rights activists who were there to show their disapproval over the recent Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs.

The protesters have been booked for allegedly violating prohibitory orders promulgated in areas under the jurisdiction of the Kartavyapath police station in central Delhi. The FIR is against unknown people, an officer told The Indian Express.

The gathering was held despite the non-approval of the Delhi police. “Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) was also imposed, and this was told to the people prior to the protest. Despite our regular requests to leave the site and shift to the Jantar Mantar, the people did not leave,” The Indian Express quoted the officer further saying.

On Sunday, around 400 people gathered to protest, donning masks and holding banners, against the worsening air pollution in Delhi. At least 100 of them were detained and taken to the Bawana police station after clashes ensued between demonstrators and the police. The detainees were later released. The Delhi police had issued a letter to the organisers.

The office of additional deputy commissioner of Police, New Delhi, stated, “Information has been received through reliable sources that you along with your supporters will hold a programme… In this regard, it is to inform you that Section 163 BNSS is in force in the entire area of New Delhi district except Jantar Mantar, therefore protest at India Gate cannot be permitted in view of security, law and order and traffic reasons and existing guidelines framed in compliance of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s order dated 23, 07, 2018.”