Peaceful Protest Over Air Quality Erupts into Chaos
A demonstration against the severe air pollution in Delhi took a controversial and violent turn on Sunday, November 23, leading to the arrest of more than 15 individuals. The protest, held at the C-Hexagon near India Gate, escalated when some participants allegedly used chilli spray on police personnel and displayed posters of a slain Maoist commander.
Confrontation and Arrests at India Gate
According to police officials, the situation intensified when the group of protesters was asked to disperse because their gathering was obstructing the path of ambulances and medical personnel. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla stated that despite repeated requests to clear the way for emergency vehicles, the demonstrators refused to move.
"We tried to explain to them that emergency vehicles were stuck and needed clear access, but they refused to move," DCP Mahla was quoted by PTI as saying. The refusal quickly led to a scuffle. Police reported that the protesters broke through barricades, sat on the road, and then attacked officers with chilli spray as they were being removed.
This marked a significant and unusual escalation in protest tactics. "This was very unusual. For the first time, protestors used pepper spray on officers managing traffic and law and order," emphasized DCP Mahla. Three to four police personnel sustained injuries and were subsequently treated at RML Hospital.
Controversial Slogans and Maoist Posters Surface
Adding a layer of controversy to the event, visuals from the protest site showed some individuals holding posters of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in a police encounter in Andhra Pradesh the previous week. Slogans such as "Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe" (Long Live Madvi Hidma) were also raised by the demonstrators.
The Delhi Police have taken a strong stance against this development. Officials assured that those responsible for raising pro-Maoist slogans would be identified and face legal consequences. "We will file a case against them," the police told NDTV.
Underlying Grievances: The Air Pollution Crisis
The protest was initially organized to demand government action on the dangerously poor air quality in the Delhi-NCR region. The Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air released a statement calling the city's air a "serious risk" to public health and accusing authorities of failing to address the root causes of pollution.
The group further alleged that the current development model, which includes mining projects and forest clearance, contributes significantly to pollution and community displacement. They claimed that when citizens raise such concerns, the government "responds with suppression," leading to detentions and restrictions on dissent. This was not an isolated event; a similar protest was held at the same location on November 9.
