Investigation – Former Police Officers Seek Fair Probe Into July 20 Delhi Protest Violence

Investigation – The Delhi Police Retired Non-Gazetted Officers’ Association has urged authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the events that unfolded during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” demonstration in the national capital. The appeal came during a press conference held at the Press Club of India, where former police personnel expressed their support for serving officers who were injured while carrying out law enforcement duties during the protest.

Retired Officers Call for Comprehensive Investigation

Representatives of the association said the country deserves a transparent account of everything that occurred during the demonstration. According to the group, an independent and detailed inquiry is necessary to establish the sequence of events and determine responsibility for the alleged attacks reported during the protest.

The association maintained that uncovering the complete facts would help ensure accountability while strengthening public confidence in the institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.

Association Highlights Injuries to Security Personnel

During the briefing, the retired officers claimed that more than 128 members of the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, including senior officials, sustained injuries while deployed during the protest. They said the affected personnel were carrying out their assigned responsibilities when clashes reportedly broke out.

The association emphasized that security personnel often face difficult situations while protecting public order and deserve recognition for the risks associated with their duties.

Former Officers Stress Human Cost of Violence

Speaking about the impact of the incident, members of the association said violence directed at police personnel can have lasting consequences beyond the immediate injuries. They stated that officers on duty encountered challenging circumstances during the demonstration, particularly where alleged acts of violence disrupted crowd management efforts.

The retired officials also noted that police personnel are individuals with families and personal responsibilities, adding that wearing a uniform does not lessen the physical or emotional effects of injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Brij Lal Defends Delhi Police Response

Former Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police and Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal also addressed the media during the event. He defended the actions taken by the Delhi Police during the July 20 demonstration, stating that the force acted within the framework of the law while exercising restraint in handling the situation.

According to Lal, police officers are expected to lead from the front whenever circumstances demand, particularly during large public gatherings where maintaining order becomes a priority. He said the conduct of the force reflected its professional responsibility in managing the protest.

Remarks on Legal and Government Response

Brij Lal further stated that the Supreme Court had adopted what he described as a balanced approach while dealing with matters connected to the protest. He also said the government had made efforts to address concerns by engaging in dialogue with those participating in the demonstrations before the situation escalated.

The retired officers concluded that a credible investigation into the events of July 20 would benefit both law enforcement agencies and the public by providing clarity on the circumstances surrounding the protest. They reiterated that establishing the facts through an impartial process is essential for maintaining trust in democratic institutions and ensuring accountability wherever necessary.