Chaos erupted in the heart of India's diplomatic enclave in New Delhi on Friday as a protest over the alleged lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police. The incident unfolded outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Chanakyapuri, leading to significant disruptions and a major police response.
Protest Turns Violent Outside Diplomatic Mission
According to police reports, a large group of protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission to voice their anger over the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. The demonstration, which began as a peaceful assembly, quickly spiraled out of control. Protesters attempted to breach barricades and march towards the High Commission premises, leading to a direct confrontation with the police force deployed on site.
Officials stated that the situation turned violent when some individuals from the protesting crowd began throwing stones and other projectiles at the police personnel. The police responded with force to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. In the ensuing melee, at least 40 individuals were detained by the Delhi Police for their involvement in the violence and for violating law and order.
The Trigger: Alleged Lynching in Bangladesh
The protest was sparked by reports circulating about the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. While details from the ground in Bangladesh were still emerging, the news ignited strong emotions among certain groups in Delhi, leading to the mobilization outside the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission. The protesters demanded justice and action against the perpetrators of the violence in the neighboring country.
The location of the protest—the Bangladesh High Commission—made it a highly sensitive event, given its nature as foreign diplomatic territory. Security in the Chanakyapuri area, which houses numerous embassies and high commissions, was immediately heightened to prevent the violence from spreading or affecting other missions.
Police Response and Investigation
The Delhi Police acted swiftly to contain the protest. Additional forces were rushed to the Chanakyapuri area. Law enforcement officials used crowd control measures to push back the protesters and secure the perimeter around the High Commission. Traffic in the vicinity was severely affected for several hours.
An official from the Delhi Police confirmed the detentions and stated that a case has been registered. The investigation is ongoing to identify the main instigators of the violence. Police are examining video footage from the area and statements from those detained to piece together the sequence of events and take appropriate legal action.
Diplomatic Sensitivities and Aftermath
The incident has drawn attention due to its potential to impact bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Protests targeting foreign diplomatic missions are treated with utmost seriousness by authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs is likely to be briefed on the incident, given its diplomatic implications.
For now, calm has been restored in the Chanakyapuri area. The Bangladesh High Commission has not issued an immediate official statement regarding the protest. The Delhi Police maintain a strong presence in the zone to prevent any further gatherings or outbreaks of violence. The detained individuals are being questioned, and their release will be subject to legal procedures.
This event underscores how incidents in neighboring countries can sometimes trigger strong public reactions in India, posing challenges for both domestic law enforcement and the maintenance of delicate diplomatic protocols. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
