Retired Delhi Police Officers To Hold Jantar Mantar Protest Over CJP Rally Clashes

The Delhi Police Federation, a body of retired officials, has written to Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar seeking permission for a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar. The proposed sit-in is scheduled from 11 am to 5 pm and is intended to express solidarity with the police force following the violence reported during the CJP’s Parliament March on July 20.

Delhi Police has claimed that more than 100 police personnel were injured after some anti-social elements allegedly infiltrated the CJP protest and attacked police personnel.

Violent clashes were reported during the CJP’s Parliament March on July 20, when police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to control the crowd. Protesters alleged excesses by security personnel, while police maintained that they were assaulted by anti-social elements.

In its application, the Delhi Police Federation stated, "A large number of police and paramilitary force officers and personnel sustained injuries while performing their lawful duties at and around Jantar Mantar on July 20".

The letter, received by the General Diary (GD) Section of Delhi Police Headquarters on July 27, requested permission for the dharna to highlight the sacrifices made by security personnel while maintaining law and order.

The federation stated that the proposed sit-in is being organised on behalf of retired Delhi Police personnel and law-abiding citizens and will be conducted in a completely peaceful and non-violent manner.

The development comes as the Supreme Court on Tuesday, while hearing petitions related to the police action on July 20, made strong observations and said, "The police need a new protocol during agitations". The court pointed out that the cops did not follow earlier laid down rules during the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests.

The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of pleas alleging police excesses against students protesting irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak across the country. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to several incidents of violence during the proceedings.

"There has to be a completely independent probe. Whoever committed excesses, took the law into their hands, should be taken to task. A probe is meaningless if no responsibility is fixed," the Chief Justice said.

The proposed Jantar Mantar protest by retired Delhi Police personnel will now focus attention on the allegations of injuries sustained by security forces during the July 20 clashes, while the Supreme Court’s observations have highlighted the need for accountability and proper procedures during public agitations.

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