1 hr ago
Delhi Protesters Evade Police as Crackdown Triggers Detentions
Student groups in Delhi wanted to protest at Jantar Mantar but were not allowed to use the designated site.
They held quick demonstrations in different parts of the city and even on boats in the Yamuna.
Neha Bora and about 90 supporters ran through the streets before police detained them.
Police also detained several politicians, students, journalists and a Catholic priest.
CPM lawmaker John Brittas said officers pinned him down and that he needed hospital care.
He has asked national authorities for an independent investigation into what happened.
The demonstrations called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign or be removed.
One student group said its members had missed joint press conferences because they were protesting or in detention.
Student groups staged flash protests across Delhi, including on the Yamuna, after being shut out of Jantar Mantar Road.
AISA president Neha Bora and about 90 supporters ran from Ramakrishna Ashram toward Connaught Place before police detained them.
Several Left leaders and protesters were detained; CPM MP John Brittas said CRPF personnel pinned him down and later took him to hospital.
Journalists, a Catholic priest, and student activists were also detained during the demonstrations.
Brittas wrote to the President and the Chief Justice of India seeking an independent, court-monitored probe into police conduct.
- Who
- Student and youth groups, Left leaders, Congress-backed NSUI members, journalists, and other protesters; police and CRPF personnel.
- What
- Flash protests were held across Delhi demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation or removal; demonstrators and others were detained, and John Brittas sought an independent probe.
- Where
- Delhi, including Connaught Place, the route from Ramakrishna Ashram, Jantar Mantar, and the Yamuna.
- When
- Sunday; some protests and related events also took place on Saturday.
- Why
- The protesters were calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign or be removed.
Protesters’ concerns
Police response
Detentions and use of force
Protesters’ concerns
Brittas said CRPF personnel pinned him down and left him needing hospital care; accounts also describe protesters being dragged away and journalists and others detained.
Police response
The article reports that Delhi Police and CRPF personnel detained protesters, but does not provide their explanation or response.
Access to protest sites
Protesters’ concerns
AISA president Neha Bora called for the entire city to become a protest site after groups were shut out of the designated protest site on Jantar Mantar Road.
Police response
The article says security was tightened and groups were prevented from protesting at the designated site, but gives no official justification.
Key facts
- AISA group size
- About 90 comrades accompanied Neha Bora.
- Bora’s route
- From Ramakrishna Ashram to Connaught Place, around 1.5 km.
- Brittas’s hospital
- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
- Journalists detained
- At least 12 reporters, including three from The Indian Express Hindi Online.
- Brittas’s request
- A court-monitored probe by officials from outside Delhi Police and the CRPF.
- Additional complaint
- Brittas filed a breach-of-privilege complaint with the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Quotes
Neha Bora
President of AISA, the CPIML Liberation student wing
“I am not a professional runner, but chasing (chief election commissioner) Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation has made me one.”
telegraphindia.com
John Brittas
CPM Rajya Sabha member
“They took me to a bus and pinned me down. Four constables held me down. I was choking.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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