Chaos at Jantar Mantar: 15 Police Injured and 110 Detained
Chaos erupted in Delhi as Indian Youth Congress protesters clashed with police, leaving 15 officers injured and 110 people detained during a march.
A massive protest in the national capital turned violent on Sunday, leaving approximately 15 Delhi Police personnel injured and resulting in the detention of 110 individuals. The clashes broke out as members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) attempted to march toward Jantar Mantar, leading to a tense standoff with security forces.
Violence and Injuries Reported
According to police sources, the situation escalated significantly during the demonstration. The injuries were not limited to male officers; some women police personnel were also hurt, with reports indicating they were bitten during the scuffle. The heavy police deployment, which included extensive barricading along the route, was intended to manage the crowd, but the march eventually led to widespread detentions.
The Protest March: Demands and Accusations
The demonstration was organized by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) as a march from Raisina Road toward Jantar Mantar. The protesters were targeting Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Central government of providing him protection and demanding his immediate resignation. Led by IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib, hundreds of youth workers marched while carrying placards and shouting slogans against the administration.
Speaking to the media amidst the chaos, Uday Bhanu Chib slammed the Delhi Police for blocking the march. He pointed out that while the Supreme Court has designated Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests, the demonstrators were being prevented from reaching the site. Chib accused the leadership of the government of attempting to shield Kumar, stating that the protesters would not be deterred by the police presence.
Political Firestorm Over Election Commission
The protest stems from recent controversies surrounding the Election Commission. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised formal objections on at least 14 occasions over a ten-month period. These objections reportedly concerned:
- Decisions regarding electoral rolls
- Voter registration processes
- The Commission’s technology systems
While the Election Commission has dismissed these reports, stating that such queries are part of standard administrative processes and that final decisions remain unanimous, the IYC has used the issue to fuel their movement.
Strong Words from IYC Leadership
The leadership of the IYC remained defiant throughout the afternoon. Other key figures joined the verbal onslaught against the government:
- Roshani Jaiswal (IYC National Secretary): Alleged that the government is using every available tactic to suppress the truth, suggesting that the individual in question belongs in Tihar Jail.
- Chitwan Godara (IYC Legal Team National Coordinator): Questioned the government's sense of accountability and vowed that protests would continue until justice is served.
As of now, the area remains under heavy surveillance, and the 110 detainees remain in custody as investigations into the violence and the injuries sustained by the police continue.