World · India Bureau
Over 500 detained in Delhi protest against poll chief Gyanesh Kumar
Student groups and civil society activists staged demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi on Wednesday, with mass detentions and allegations of police misconduct. Organisers have called for a fresh citizen's march today.
LSN India ·
Police detained more than 500 protesters in New Delhi as demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar escalated on Wednesday. The action came as All India Students Association (AISA) members and supporters gathered to voice their concerns about the poll body's functioning.
The protest saw a heavy police presence, with authorities taking into custody scores of demonstrators. According to accounts from the student group, the police operation included allegations of inappropriate conduct. AISA members claimed that a male police officer manhandled protester Neha Bora during the crackdown, while another Delhi Police officer allegedly subjected her to verbal abuse.
Despite the mass detentions, organisers showed no signs of backing down. Civil society figure Yogendra Yadav joined AISA in calling for another citizen's march to be held today, signalling the movement's intent to maintain pressure on the election commission.
The demonstrations reflect growing discontent among student and activist circles regarding electoral governance in the country. The government has not yet issued any statement responding to the protesters' grievances or the allegations of police conduct.