Security – Delhi Police Report Injuries, FIRs and Heightened Vigil at Student Protest
Security –Public Safety Update and Delhi Protest Developments – Delhi Police have reported injuries to both police personnel and students, multiple criminal cases, and enhanced security arrangements following the student demonstrations held in the national capital.
More than 130 police personnel and approximately 65 students were injured during the “Sansad Chalo” protest march held on July 20, according to Delhi Police sources. The march began at Jantar Mantar and moved toward Parliament, where security forces intervened after protesters attempted to advance beyond restricted areas. Authorities also confirmed that 15 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the demonstrations.
Large Security Deployment Around Protest Site
Police officials said a significant security presence continues at and around Jantar Mantar as the protest activity persists. On an average day, nearly 10,000 people are present in the surrounding area, prompting the deployment of around 3,000 police personnel to maintain public order and manage movement.
Officials stated that surveillance measures have also been strengthened. Among these is the use of Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras, which are being used to identify individuals with previous criminal records who are entering the protest venue.
According to police sources, more than 2,000 individuals with criminal backgrounds have been identified through the FRS system after arriving at Jantar Mantar. Authorities said the technology is being used to detect suspected anti-social elements and support ongoing security operations.
July 20 March Led to Confrontation
The July 20 protest witnessed a sharp escalation after thousands of participants joined the “Sansad Chalo” march toward Parliament. As the crowd approached restricted zones, police erected barricades to prevent further movement.
The situation later turned tense, with police using tear gas and baton charges to disperse sections of the crowd. The confrontation resulted in injuries to protesters as well as police personnel. The incident also sparked political criticism and prompted legal petitions questioning whether excessive force had been used during the operation.
Police, however, maintained that violence erupted after certain anti-social elements allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and provoked unrest, leading officers to take action to restore order.
Protest Representatives Respond to Police Claims
Responding to the police statement regarding the identification of more than 2,000 people with criminal records, Cockroach Janta Party representative Ashutosh Ranka accused police personnel of using excessive force during the protest.
Speaking to ANI, Ranka alleged that several officers assaulted students and volunteers, claiming that children and young participants were injured during the police action. He said his party would prepare and publicly release a list of police personnel whom they allege were involved in the incidents.
Ranka further stated that the identification of those officers would be based on information collected from members of the public rather than through facial recognition technology. He said the list would be shared publicly and challenged the Delhi Police to respond to the allegations.
FIRs Registered Under Multiple Laws
Earlier, on July 21, Delhi Police confirmed that the 15 FIRs were registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations.
The cases include provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.
According to police officials, the FIR registered at Parliament Street Police Station includes charges related to disobeying lawful orders issued by public servants, obstructing government officials while performing official duties, and using criminal force or assault against public servants during the discharge of their responsibilities.
The investigation into the incidents remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine evidence, review surveillance footage, and assess the circumstances surrounding the violence that occurred during the protest march.