22 arrested after anti-pollution protest at India Gate turns violent
A peaceful demonstration against air pollution at Delhi's India Gate on November 23 took a rough turn when protesters blocked a major junction and allegedly used chili powder and pepper spray on police, injuring several officers.
Police say traffic was blocked and repeated warnings to disperse were ignored.
The injured officers were treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and the protest ended with 22 people arrested.
What happens next: charges, custody, and controversy
Police have filed two FIRs against the group for assaulting public servants, obstructing duties, and making or publishing statements that, according to police, could harm national integration or threaten India's sovereignty (Section 197 of the BNS).
Five students are in two-day judicial custody; the rest face three days.
Defense lawyers claim some detainees faced custodial mistreatment, sharing photos of bruises as evidence.
Police maintain arrests were due to violence and protesting without permission—legal proceedings are ongoing.