WhatsApp Group at Center of Delhi Protest Investigation
Delhi Police has identified a WhatsApp group created just one week ago as the central coordinating mechanism for Sunday's pollution protest that eventually turned violent, according to official sources. The investigation has led to the arrest of 22 protesters while authorities continue searching for several individuals who remain absconding.
Organized Protest Turns Violent
The protest, which began around 6:40 PM on Sunday, involved approximately 18-20 men and women who were raising slogans against Delhi Police and the government. According to one of the two FIRs registered in connection with the incident, the demonstrators acted in an organized and planned manner. After being removed from C-Hexagon at India Gate, where they were protesting against pollution and showing support for Maoist ideologies, the group regrouped outside Parliament Street police station.
The FIR details how protesters blocked the main gate of Parliament Street police station, preventing staff and members of the public from entering or exiting the premises. This action caused significant fear and distress among people in the area. Despite repeated warnings from senior police officers citing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sanhita (BNSS) that prohibits unauthorized protests, the demonstrators refused to disperse.
WhatsApp Group Details and Arrests
Investigators revealed that the WhatsApp group in question had over 200 members and three administrators. Two of these administrators have already been arrested by police. One of the arrested admins was allegedly involved in using chilli spray on police personnel during the confrontation.
Police authorities plan to thoroughly examine the messages exchanged within the WhatsApp group to understand exactly how the protest was planned and coordinated. The protest was allegedly organized under the banner of "Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air," with police first learning about the planned demonstration through social media monitoring.
Twenty-three mobile phones have been seized from the suspects and sent for forensic analysis to gather additional evidence. Police are also collecting and scrutinizing video footage of the incident to identify all individuals involved in the violence.
Legal Charges and Injuries
Authorities have invoked Section 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration. Under subsection D of this section, whoever makes or publishes false or misleading information jeopardizing India's sovereignty, unity, integrity, or security can face imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.
A senior police officer claimed that protesters were spreading misleading information about Maoist commander Madvi Hidma during the demonstration. When police attempted to remove the protesters peacefully from in front of the police station, the crowd became aggressive, resulting in injuries to four police personnel, including two women staff members.
Police are investigating whether pins and pepper sprays were used to harm their personnel. After being detained inside the police station, protesters refused to provide their personal details and began raising slogans again. Authorities have stated they will seek custody of the accused involved in the violence for further interrogation.
Counter-Protest and Ongoing Investigation
In a related development, a separate protest occurred at India Gate around 2 PM on Tuesday where 15-20 people gathered to express support for Delhi Police and demonstrate against Maoist ideologies. This peaceful demonstration ended quickly after police asked the participants to leave the area.
The investigation continues as Delhi Police works to identify all participants in the violent protest and understand the full scope of the coordination through digital means. The use of social media and messaging platforms to organize protests has become a significant focus for law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order and security.
