India, July 23 -- Violence erupted again near Jantar Mantar and Tolstoy Marg on Wednesday as a pro-CJP rally turned violent, with protesters clashing with police and pelting stones. Security forces resorted to a baton charge and fired tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. Delhi Police said more than 20 personnel, including Additional Commissioner of Police Jaiprakash of the Punjabi Bagh area, were injured in the clashes. Several protesters also sustained injuries. More than 50 protesters were detained from the spot, and police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to police, extensive security arrangements, including barricades, frisking points and heavy deployment of personnel, had been put in place around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Despite these measures, a large number of protesters gathered on Tolstoy Marg on Wednesday evening.
Police said that while protesters were raising slogans, the situation escalated after some demonstrators allegedly began pelting stones at police personnel and members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF). Some protesters were also allegedly carrying sticks, which were used to assault police and security personnel. Police said they repeatedly appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and disperse, stressing that they had no interest in confrontation. However, as the violence intensified, security forces resorted to a baton charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several government vehicles were also damaged during the violence.
ACP Connaught Place Vivek Bhagat sustained a head injury while overseeing the law and order situation and was rushed to hospital. Sources said he is recovering well. Police are examining CCTV footage, drone footage, body-camera recordings and videos circulating on social media to identify those involved in the violence and stone-pelting. They said legal action would be taken against those responsible for attacking police personnel and damaging property, with cases to be registered under the relevant provisions of law. Delhi Police, the RAF and additional security forces remained on high alert in the Jantar Mantar and Tolstoy Marg areas until late on Wednesday night.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.