Protestors allege assault in custody after India Gate demonstration, court notes injuries
Of the 22 protestors arrested in connection with the demonstration and named in two FIRs, six were presented before the court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. While five were sent to regular judicial custody, one individual was placed in a safe house after stating he was a juvenile. Their legal team has alleged procedural lapses and mistreatment during detention.
New Delhi: Many demonstrators detained during the India Gate–Kartavya Path protest in Delhi have accused the police of physically assaulting them while in custody. Appearing before the Patiala House Court, multiple accused reportedly claimed that they were beaten inside a police booth after being taken into custody and displayed visible injury marks to the judge.
Allegations of custodial assault
One accused told the court he was struck on his "chest, back and stomach”, while another alleged, the police "took us to a booth and beat us up.” The court observed that the medical legal certificate (MLC) of one protestor recorded a neck injury, though the police argued that it was an old wound.
The group had been arrested for raising slogans such as "Madvi Hidma amar rahe” and holding posters including "From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on.”
Police version of events
According to Delhi Police, the individuals, detained at India Gate on Monday, had arrived "fully prepared”, alleging they used pepper spray against police personnel and attempted to block the road during a protest initially held over pollution concerns.
"A protest was held over pollution, but participants were carrying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. When they tried to block the road, police intervened. The protesters then sprayed pepper spray on our personnel and attempted to attack them. They had come completely equipped. Legal action is underway,” the police told the court.
A total of 22 protestors were arrested and two FIRs were registered. The court has now sent six accused to judicial custody—five to regular judicial custody and one to a safe house after he claimed to be a minor.
Lawyers flag mistreatment
Legal representatives alleged procedural violations and mistreatment. Advocate Vertika Mani, who is representing the accused, criticised police action, stating: "…We have obtained judicial custody of two days in one case and three days in another. We saw the situation ourselves. The protestors were injured; the girls’ clothes were torn, and those who were protesting were in very bad condition. Even lawyers were not allowed to meet them, which is absolutely wrong. You are not disclosing the grounds of arrest, nor are you clarifying whether they were detained or formally arrested."
Highlighting the condition of the detainees, she added that the emotional fallout must not be ignored. "It was important for us to ensure that the children’s mental trauma and the torture they have suffered are addressed. It should ensure that this does not happen to them again. We are very glad that they have now been sent to judicial custody, ensuring their safety.”