A day after a clean-air demonstration at India Gate descended into violence, Delhi Police on Monday (Nov 24) arrested 22 protesters. The Sunday gathering over toxic air turned chaotic when some participants allegedly used chilli spray on deployed personnel and raised slogans referencing slain Maoist leader Madvi Hidma.
Authorities reported that arrests were made following the escalation of tensions during the protest, which resulted in injuries to several police officers. This led to legal proceedings for assaulting officers on duty. The Delhi police filed two First Information Reports (FIRs), one at the Kartavyapath Police Station and another at the Parliament Street Police Station.
The Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air arranged a protest concerning the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. The organization asserted that the Air Quality Index in the capital has consistently been in the 'severe' range and criticized the authorities for employing 'superficial measures' such as water sprinklers and cloud seeding, rather than adopting long-term strategies to address pollution.
Among the crowd, a section of protesters was heard raising slogans in praise of Madvi Hidma, one of India’s most wanted Maoist commanders. Hidma, originally from Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, had been linked to some of the country’s deadliest assaults, with at least 26 armed attacks attributed to him against civilians and security forces. His recent killing is viewed as a major setback for the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation.
Police officials said that demonstrators gathered near the C-Hexagon stretch were repeatedly asked to move, as they were blocking the route for ambulances and medical personnel. Despite warnings, the protesters breached barricades, sat on the road, and forced police to intervene. During the confrontation, several demonstrators reportedly used chilli powder and pepper spray against the officers, a senior police official told PTI.
The situation then escalated into a scuffle, during which chili powder was allegedly used on police personnel by some protesters. As a result, three to four officers sustained injuries to their eyes and face. They were later taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, the protesters have accused the government of “suppression,” imposing restrictions, and attempting to silence activists.
