'Delhi Police couldn't hit new lows': Venugopal slams crackdown
Congress leader KC Venugopal accuses Delhi Police of assaulting journalists and protesters to suppress media coverage of demonstrations.
In a scathing attack on the law enforcement agencies in the national capital, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has accused the Delhi Police of engaging in a systematic crackdown on journalists and protesters. The senior leader alleged that the police are actively detaining and assaulting media professionals to prevent the true reality of ongoing demonstrations from reaching the global stage.
Targeting the Media to Hide the Truth
Taking to the social media platform X, Venugopal claimed that the crackdown is specifically designed to suppress media coverage of protests. He highlighted that a diverse range of media workers are being targeted, including:
- Reporters from major news agencies
- Journalists from Malayalam media outlets
- Independent bloggers and YouTubers
- Female journalists, who he noted are being particularly targeted
"Every time one thinks that Amit Shah’s Delhi Police couldn’t hit new lows, they go lower," Venugopal wrote, adding that the detention and assault of these reporters is an "unforgivable" attempt to hide the government's actions.
Allegations of a 'Torture Chamber'
The Congress leader did not stop at accusing the police of targeting the press; he also leveled heavy accusations regarding the treatment of ordinary citizens. He described the entire city of Delhi as having been turned into a "torture chamber," where individuals exercising their fundamental rights are being chased, thrashed, and detained.
Venugopal further alleged a double standard in how law enforcement operates. He claimed that while protesters are being met with force, vigilante groups aligned with the ruling regime are being given a "free hand" to assault demonstrators under the protection of the police.
Political Fallout and Support for Dissent
The senior leader's remarks were part of a broader political outcry against the current administration. He characterized the leadership as "criminal-minded dictators" who are using brutality to protect a collapsing regime. He asserted that such tactics would not deter the Indian youth, stating, "No amount of brutality will deter their will to resist this regime."
The controversy regarding the suppression of dissent is not limited to the capital. In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also raised alarms. Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to silence peaceful student protesters in Mumbai.
Thackeray alleged that the Mumbai Police are acting under orders from "the very top" to stifle fearlessness. He pledged his party's support to the detained students, promising legal assistance and stating, "Do let us know where all you are being taken. We are coming."