Air Quality Protest at India Gate Erupts in Violence
On November 23, a demonstration concerning the dangerously high levels of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region took a violent turn at the capital's iconic India Gate. What began as a peaceful gathering escalated dramatically when police personnel arrived to disperse the crowd, leading to unprecedented resistance from the protesters.
Police Officers Targeted with Chilli Spray
According to reports from PTI, the situation intensified as some individuals within the protest group allegedly attacked the police with pepper spray during the removal process. Three to four officers sustained significant injuries to their eyes and were promptly transported to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for medical treatment. Their current condition and the extent of their injuries are being monitored.
Police officials stated that the conflict began when protesters entered the restricted C-hexagon area and attempted to cross the barricades that had been installed for traffic management. A senior officer explained that attempts were made to reason with the demonstrators, highlighting that their actions were blocking the path of ambulances and medical staff requiring emergency access. Instead of complying, the protesters reportedly became increasingly agitated and aggressive.
Unprecedented Use of Weapon in Protest
As the tension mounted, police on the scene anticipated a potential scuffle and advised the crowd to step back. The protesters, however, refused to cooperate. They broke through the barricades, moved onto the road, and staged a sit-in. It was during the subsequent efforts by the police teams to remove them that the assailants deployed the chilli spray.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla described the event as "very unusual," noting that it was the first instance where protestors have used chilli spray on officers engaged in traffic and law and order management. He confirmed that this marked the inaugural encounter of such a weapon in a crowd control operation for the Delhi Police.
Following the attack, the protestors were cleared from the C-hexagon to restore normal traffic flow and prevent further disruption. The police have affirmed that legal action is being initiated in connection with the violent incident. This event underscores the growing public frustration over the capital's perennial air pollution crisis, even as it raises serious concerns about the methods of public demonstration.
