'Wrongful Influence' Misleading Youth, Says Delhi Police DCP
DCP Shrishti Pandey warns against attacking police and warns of AI-generated misinformation during ongoing Delhi protests.
Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrishti Pandey has issued a stern warning regarding the recent wave of protests in the national capital, stating that "some form of wrongful influence" is actively leading the younger generation astray. Speaking amidst escalating tensions, Pandey urged protesters to carefully weigh the long-term legal consequences of their actions before engaging in illegal activities.
Attacks on Uniformed Officers Condemned
The DCP's comments come following reports of demonstrators targeting police personnel during recent demonstrations. Pandey emphasized that abusing officers who are performing their lawful duties sends a negative message to society. She specifically highlighted instances where officers faced physical aggression.
"Abusing police personnel in uniform who are performing their lawful duties—raising a hand against them, attempting to strike, bite, or scratch them—does not send a positive message to society," Pandey stated. She defended the integrity of the force, asserting that the Delhi Police has consistently proven itself to be a capable and effective force that has always been there for the public.
The Threat of AI-Generated Misinformation
Beyond physical confrontations, the DCP raised alarms over the digital landscape, specifically the rise of deepfakes and manipulated media. She cautioned the public against the ease with which AI tools can be used to create deceptive content.
"In today's times, using AI tools has become extremely easy. Someone who isn't even in Delhi—or present at the protest site—can sit far away, create a video or generate a photo, and influence everyone with it," Pandey warned. She urged citizens to verify news on social media before sharing it and encouraged them to rely on official Delhi Police social media handles for accurate, transparent updates.
Violence Reported During Protests
The warning follows disturbing accounts from officers on the ground. During recent protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, several personnel reported being physically assaulted while enforcing law and order.
Constable Ankit Kasana shared a harrowing account of an incident involving a group of demonstrators. According to Kasana, while police were managing a detention involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a group of 30 to 35 men and women surrounded him. He alleged that the group:
- Abused him verbally
- Tore his uniform
- Scratched him with fingernails
- Bit him
Following the assault, Kasana had to be rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for medical attention.
Section 163 Remains in Effect
As tensions remain high ahead of proposed demonstrations on October 10, the Delhi Police has reiterated that Section 163 is currently in force across the national capital. This legal restriction means that protests are strictly prohibited at Jantar Mantar and other public locations.
"Section 163 is in effect, meaning protests are not permitted—neither at Jantar Mantar nor anywhere else. Any gathering will be considered illegal, and we would be compelled to take necessary legal action against it," DCP Pandey warned. The police have already registered multiple FIRs in connection with the unrest observed during recent opposition demonstrations.