New Delhi: A protest held in the national capital on October 3 against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has come under controversy after allegations of alleged misbehaviour by Delhi Police were levelled following the detention of protesters.
According to the police, the protest was organised by AISA and other organisations despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) being in force in the area. Police warned the protesters to leave the spot, but they allegedly refused to vacate the designated area. The protesters were subsequently detained by the police.
Matter Escalated From Warning to Detention
According to DCP Neha Yadav, restrictions under Section 163 were in force in the area. Despite this, a protest was held against the SIR. Police informed the protesters about the restrictions and asked them to leave the spot.
Officials said that when the protesters failed to leave despite repeated warnings, police detained them to maintain law and order.
The situation took a new turn at around 6 pm when three women, who identified themselves as journalists, alleged that Delhi Police officers and personnel had manhandled and misbehaved with them during their detention. The three women subsequently filed complaints with the police.
Complaints Registered, Medical Examination Conducted
The allegations made by the women journalists have been formally recorded by the police. DCP Neha Yadav said that after receiving the complaints, all three women underwent medical examinations.
The matter has now been handed over to the Crime Branch for further investigation. Police said the investigation will examine the circumstances at the spot, the role of the police personnel concerned and all aspects related to the allegations made in the complaints.
Available video footage and other evidence will also form part of the investigation.
Police Seeks Video Footage
Video footage could emerge as crucial evidence in the case. Delhi Police has appealed to members of the public to share with the Crime Branch any video footage related to the protest, detention or alleged misbehaviour, if they have any.
Police believe that videos recorded at the scene could help establish a clearer picture of the entire incident.
At present, the two sides have presented different accounts of the incident. Police maintain that the protest was held despite Section 163 being in force and that the protesters refused to leave even after being warned. On the other hand, the three detained women have levelled serious allegations of alleged misbehaviour against police personnel.
The investigation is now with the Crime Branch, and the evidence that emerges during the probe will determine what actually happened at the spot.
