18 Arrested After Violent Parliament Street Protests
Delhi Police register 4 FIRs and arrest 18 people following violent clashes during protests at Parliament Street.
The Delhi Police have taken decisive action following a wave of unrest at Parliament Street, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals. The crackdown comes in the wake of violent clashes that erupted during demonstrations on Monday, leading to multiple criminal cases being filed against the protesters.
Four FIRs Filed Amid Chaos
According to police sources, the authorities have registered four separate First Information Reports (FIRs) to address the various illegal activities witnessed during the protest. The allegations outlined in these FIRs are serious and include:
- Stabbing incidents
- Rioting and public disorder
- Defacement of public property
- Obstructing public servants from performing their official duties
The 18 accused individuals were produced before a local court on Monday following their apprehension.
The Root of the Unrest: Allegations Against Police
The tension at Parliament Street is deeply connected to a prior demonstration held at Jantar Mantar on October 3. That event was sparked by allegations made by three women journalists, who claimed they were subjected to physical mistreatment and sexual harassment by police personnel.
On Monday, protesters gathered at Parliament Street to demand justice for these journalists, further alleging that they were unlawfully detained by the police during the morning hours.
Crime Branch to Probe Harassment Claims
In response to the serious allegations of misconduct, the Delhi Police have confirmed that the formal complaints submitted by the three journalists have been received. To ensure a fair and impartial inquiry, these specific complaints have been transferred to the Crime Branch at Kamla Market.
While the Crime Branch focuses on investigating the allegations against the police personnel, the cases involving the violence and rioting during Monday's protest are being handled as separate investigations.
Political Fallout and Demands for Transparency
The incident has quickly escalated into a political controversy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has weighed in on the situation, alleging that the women journalists were indeed mistreated. He has intensified the pressure on the authorities by demanding that the CCTV footage from the Saket Police Station be made public to ensure full transparency regarding the conduct of the officers involved.