Police Action at Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police fired tear gas shells at a gathering of protesters at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, leading to the arrest of over 50 individuals. The action was taken after the protest turned violent, with demonstrators throwing stones and attempting to break through barricades. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Rajesh Kumar, the tear gas was used to control the situation and prevent damage to public property.
Protest Details
The protest was organized by a coalition of civil society groups opposing the new Land Acquisition Bill. Around 2,000 protesters had assembled at the designated protest site. The police had earlier granted permission but later declared the gathering unlawful after some protesters began shouting slogans and blocking traffic. A senior police officer stated, 'We had to use minimal force to ensure safety. The protesters were warned multiple times.'
Arrests and Injuries
More than 50 people were taken into custody, including prominent activist Sunita Sharma. She was quoted saying, 'The police used unnecessary force. We were peacefully protesting. This is an attack on democracy.' Medical teams reported 12 minor injuries from tear gas inhalation, with most treated on the spot. No serious injuries were reported.
Reactions and Implications
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties. Congress spokesperson Alok Singh condemned the police action, calling it 'high-handedness.' The government defended the police, emphasizing the need to maintain public order. The Land Acquisition Bill, which seeks to fast-track land acquisition for infrastructure projects, has been widely criticized by activists and farmers. The protest at Jantar Mantar was one of several planned across the country.
This marks the second such confrontation in Delhi this month, following a similar incident near Parliament House. The police have formed a special team to investigate the violence. Local residents expressed concern over the frequent disruptions in the area.
