A Delhi court has sent eight individuals accused in connection with the recent protest at India Gate to seven days of judicial custody. The decision came after the prosecution argued for custodial interrogation of the accused persons.
The Protest and Subsequent Arrests
The accused were arrested following a protest that turned violent near India Gate on June 18, 2024. The demonstration was organized against the Central Government's Agnipath scheme for military recruitment. According to police reports, the situation escalated when protesters began damaging public property and clashing with security personnel.
All eight accused were presented before the Patiala House Court on Wednesday, where the prosecution sought extended police custody. However, the court decided to send them to judicial custody for one week instead. The accused have been identified as residents of different parts of Delhi and neighboring states.
Legal Proceedings and Police Arguments
During the court hearing, the Delhi Police submitted that the accused were involved in unlawful assembly, vandalism, and attacking police personnel. The prosecution claimed that the protesters had organized without proper permission and violated multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The police had initially requested 10-day police custody for further investigation and to identify other participants in the protest. However, the court deemed seven days of judicial custody sufficient at this stage of the investigation. The defense lawyers argued that their clients were peacefully protesting and denied all allegations of violence.
Background of the Agnipath Scheme Protests
The Agnipath scheme, announced by the Central Government, has sparked widespread protests across several states. The recruitment policy introduces a four-year tenure for soldiers in the armed forces, after which only 25% will be retained for regular service. Protesters argue that the scheme compromises job security and pension benefits.
India Gate has historically been a site for public demonstrations in the national capital. The recent protest adds to the growing number of demonstrations against the military recruitment scheme that have occurred in various parts of the country since its announcement.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 26, 2024, when the investigation status will be reviewed and further decisions regarding bail applications will be considered. The Delhi Police continues its investigation to identify other individuals involved in the protest activities.
