Delhi Police Escalate Investigation Into India Gate Protest
Delhi Police have intensified their probe into Sunday's protest near India Gate by invoking Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against participants allegedly linked to Maoist activities. The move comes after 22 individuals were arrested in connection with clashes that occurred during what was initially presented as an environmental demonstration against Delhi's deteriorating air quality.
Protest Turns Violent, Slogans Raise Suspicion
The situation escalated when protesters, who had gathered without proper police permission at India Gate's C-Hexagon area on November 23, reportedly turned violent. According to police statements, some participants used pepper spray on officers who attempted to disperse the gathering. More alarmingly, investigators claim that certain protesters were seen carrying posters of slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma and shouted slogans supporting Naxalite causes.
Hidma, a prominent Maoist leader, was killed recently in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh. The appearance of his imagery and pro-Naxal slogans at what was supposed to be an environmental protest immediately raised red flags with security agencies.
Legal Ramifications and Ongoing Investigations
The addition of BNS Section 197 significantly increases the legal stakes for the accused. This section, which corresponds to the erstwhile IPC Section 153B, specifically addresses "Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration" and carries a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Six individuals named in the first FIR, registered at Kartavya Path police station, were produced before Judicial Magistrate First Class Aridaman Singh Cheema at Patiala House Courts on Monday, November 24. Five of them were remanded to two days of judicial custody, while the sixth was sent to a safehouse pending age verification.
Before the addition of Section 197, the FIR already contained multiple serious charges including assault on women, voluntarily causing hurt, obstructing public servants, and disobedience to lawful orders under various BNS sections.
Broader Security Implications
The investigation has now expanded beyond local police jurisdiction, with the Special Cell and Crime Branch of Delhi Police joining forces to determine the extent of any Maoist infiltration in the protest. The involvement of specialized units indicates the seriousness with which security agencies are treating the alleged Naxal connections.
This development highlights growing concerns about potentially extremist elements using legitimate public concerns, such as environmental issues, as cover for more subversive activities. The case continues to unfold as authorities piece together the true nature and backing of the protest that began as an air quality demonstration but may have concealed more sinister motives.
