Delhi Police says protesters resorted to violence; CJP alleges excessive force

New Delhi: Delhi Police has defended its action against protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) Sansad Chalo march, alleging that demonstrators displayed “unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour.”

In a statement, police claimed that protesters attacked personnel with stones and other objects, attempted to breach barricades, vandalised police and other government vehicles, damaged public property and resorted to large-scale violence, posing a serious threat to public order, security arrangements and the safety of officers on duty.

The CJP, however, accused Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters, alleging that several students were injured during the crackdown. The party also claimed that activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, was pushed during the police action after authorities dismantled the protest stage at Jantar Mantar, following which protesters continued a sit-in near Kerala House.

Delhi Police denied the allegation, describing claims that Angmo was assaulted as “completely false and misleading” and asserting that “no individuals were subjected to targeted assault.”

The police action also drew criticism from Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja, who condemned the alleged lathi-charge and use of tear gas against students and youth, saying the actions amounted to a “war on youth and students.”