A Delhi court on Monday remanded another 17 individuals to three days of judicial custody in connection with a protest against deteriorating air quality held at India Gate on November 23. With this order, the total number of arrests linked to the demonstration has climbed to 22, according to police officials.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
Earlier on Monday, Delhi Police had arrested at least 15 people. They were charged with obstructing police personnel, assaulting them, and blocking the road during the protest at India Gate, which was organized to voice concerns over the national capital's rising air pollution levels. An official informed PTI that the group was detained for these alleged actions.
Police stated that two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in the matter. One was filed at the Sansad Marg police station and the other at the Kartavya Path police station. The cases invoke multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to outraging the modesty of women.
Escalation of the Situation and Police Allegations
The situation reportedly escalated on Sunday evening when a confrontation broke out as authorities attempted to remove the demonstrators from the site. "The situation then turned into a scuffle, and some protesters used pepper spray on our personnel, which is unusual and rare," a police officer disclosed. He confirmed that all the accused were produced before the court on Monday.
Authorities emphasized that the gathering was held without permission and at a non-designated site. "India Gate is not a designated protest site. The protesters were asked to leave. Jantar Mantar is the designated protest site, and anyone can demonstrate there after obtaining permission," the officer explained. He added that the protesters blocked the C-Hexagon after jumping police barricades and sat on the road for over an hour, causing significant traffic disruption.
Police further alleged that the protesters misbehaved with them. "Many police personnel sustained injuries during the scuffle and were rushed to RML Hospital for treatment," the officer said. An investigation is underway, with officials checking CCTV footage to identify everyone involved. Police are also examining allegations that some protesters raised slogans in support of Maoist leader Madvi Hidma.
Related Case and Health Concerns
In a separate but related hearing, a Delhi court sent five students to two-day judicial custody. This case, registered at the Kartavya Path police station, pertains to the alleged use of pepper spray on police officials during the protest. Judicial Magistrate Aridaman Singh Cheema also sent one accused to an observation home until age verification is completed.
The five students sent to custody were identified as Akash, Ahan, Akshay, Sameer, and Vishnu. Police have invoked sections 74, 115(2), 221, and 223 of the BNS for assault, causing hurt, obstruction of public servants, and disobedience of lawful orders.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air commented on the city's air quality crisis, calling it a "serious risk" to public health. The committee alleged that the government is relying on "cosmetic measures" instead of addressing root causes, noting that PM2.5 levels have remained in the "severe" category.
