New Delhi, Oct. 13 -- Tensions flared in the heart of the national capital on Tuesday as the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a high-intensity flash protest near Gate No. 7 of the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station. Hundreds of student activists gathered to demand the
immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, centering their outcry on allegations of electoral irregularities and "Vote Chori".
The demonstration, which drew a heavy deployment of Delhi Police personnel across Connaught Place, quickly escalated. NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar and hundreds of student protesters were detained and whisked away by law enforcement.
Allegations of custodial assault and missing CCTV
The situation took a grim turn following the detentions, with allegations of physical abuse emerging from within police custody. NSUI candidate Athira Vijayan, who was among those detained, alleged that she was subjected to severe physical assault inside the police station. According to her, several officers beat and vigorously kicked her despite her offering no resistance.
Adding to the gravity of the accusations, Vijayan claimed that the detention facility lacked functional CCTV coverage. In response to the developments, NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar rushed to Lady Hardinge Medical College (Gate No. 6), where two female NSUI members including Vijayan were taken for their mandatory Medico-Legal Certificate (MLC) examinations. Jakhar stated that after the completion of the medical assessments, he would directly proceed to the Parliament Street Police Station to confront the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) over the alleged brutality.
Leadership condemns State action
Condemning the crackdown, Vinod Jakhar asserted that state machinery cannot dampen the resolve of the student community.
"The detention of student activists cannot silence our demand for accountability from the Election Commission," Jakhar said. "When young people raise questions about electoral transparency and demand answers on 'Vote Chori,' the government must respond instead of using police force to stop peaceful protests."
NSUI National Media Incharge Ravi Hanuman Pandey echoed these sentiments, labeling the police action undemocratic and heavy-handed. He warned that the movement would only intensify.
"We strongly condemn the undemocratic detention of our members," Pandey stated. "Instead of detaining students for exercising their democratic rights, authorities must address questions regarding electoral transparency. Our movement against 'Vote Chori' will continue with even greater determination."
The protest comes amidst heightened political friction in the capital following the recent de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Despite mounting restrictions, NSUI leadership maintains that their struggle for institutional accountability and the protection of democratic values will persist through peaceful and democratic channels.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.