Delhi pollution protest turns chaotic, students among 23 arrested

India Nov 27, 2025

A protest against air pollution at India Gate on November 9 took a violent turn when demonstrators—mainly students—allegedly used pepper spray on police and blocked emergency services.
Some protesters also shouted slogans supporting Madvi Hidma, a slain Maoist commander.
Police responded by arresting 23 people and filing cases for assaulting and obstructing public servants.

Focus on student groups, alleged extremist links, and police probe

At least seven of those arrested are Delhi University students linked to activist groups, with police now investigating possible ties to banned organizations.
Officers recovered pepper sprays and seized phones to check for connections to radical networks.
Six accused have been sent to three-day custody; they claim custodial mistreatment in their bail pleas.