India Gate Air Quality Demonstration Erupts in Violence
A protest against the deteriorating air quality in the national capital took a violent turn on Sunday evening near the iconic India Gate monument. The Delhi Police has confirmed the arrest of 22 individuals following clashes that left several law enforcement personnel injured.
Protest and Police Action
The incident unfolded on November 24, 2025, when a group of activists and other individuals organized a demonstration at India Gate's C-Hexagon without obtaining the necessary permissions. When police officers attempted to disperse the gathering and remove the protesters from the area, the situation escalated rapidly.
According to police accounts, the protesters resorted to using pepper spray and chilli powder against the officers. This act of resistance resulted in injuries to several police personnel, who subsequently received medical treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.
Arrests and Dual FIRs Registered
After being removed from India Gate, the protesters were transported to the Parliament Street police station. Officials reported that another scuffle occurred during this process. In response, the Delhi Police has registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs).
The first FIR was lodged at the Kartavya Path Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault, causing hurt, and disobedience to lawful orders. Six people have been arrested under this case.
A second FIR was filed at the Parliament Street Police station, incorporating more severe charges such as conspiracy to commit offences against the State under section 121A of the BNS, among others.
Probe into Alleged Maoist Links
Adding a significant and serious dimension to the event, the police have initiated an investigation into whether the protesters were displaying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma and raising slogans in his favor. Hidma was recently killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla stated that while the primary charges relate to the assault on officers, the probe is actively looking into the purported videos circulating on social media that show some individuals carrying posters of the Maoist leader. "We are probing it," DCP Mahla confirmed regarding this aspect of the inquiry.
The event, which began as a rally against the city's severe air pollution crisis, has now evolved into a complex case involving public disorder and a security investigation, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the capital.
