Politics · India Bureau
Delhi Police defends force used during July 20 protest, cites criminal elements
Delhi Police has defended its use of force during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' protest, telling the Supreme Court that the demonstration was infiltrated by criminal elements, resulting in injuries to over 240 officers. The force has offered to submit to scrutiny by a court-appointed panel.
LSN India ·
The Delhi Police has mounted a robust defence of its actions during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' protest, attributing the violent turn of events to infiltration by "anti-social elements" and individuals with criminal records. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the force stated that the agitation descended into chaos after such elements hijacked the demonstration, leading to a serious breakdown of law and order.
The response came in reply to a series of petitions that accused police personnel of using excessive force against protesters. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma of the New Delhi district submitted the affidavit, noting that the police action resulted in injuries to more than 240 officers during the incident.
The Delhi Police has signalled its willingness to cooperate with any judicial scrutiny of its conduct. The force stated in its submission that it would fully cooperate with a committee appointed by the Supreme Court to examine the issues surrounding the use of force by police officials during the protest.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and protesters in the national capital, with the police emphasizing the challenges posed by maintaining order when demonstrations are infiltrated by criminal elements.