'Took us...beat us up': India Gate protestors allege custodial violence
What's the story
Several people arrested during a protest at India Gate-Kartavya Path in Delhi have alleged they were beaten up in police custody. The allegations were made before a judge at the Patiala House Court on Monday. The protesters were detained after chanting slogans such as "Madvi Hidma amar rahe" and carrying placards that read, "From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on."
Custodial violence
Protesters allege assault, police deny claims
In court submissions, several accused claimed they were beaten inside a police booth after their arrest. One protester alleged he was hit on his "chest, back, and stomach," while another said police "took us to a booth and beat us up." The court noted that the protesters bore visible injury marks, including an injury on the neck on one protester.
Counter allegations
Police claim protesters were 'fully prepared'
The Delhi Police, however, gave a different version in court. They claimed the protesters were "fully prepared" and used pepper spray on police personnel while shouting slogans in support of the slain Maoist leader. "A protest was held over pollution, but participants were carrying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma," they said. The police's actions led to the arrest of 22 people and the filing of two FIRs.
Legal criticism
Legal representative criticizes police handling of detainees
Advocate Vertika Mani, who is representing the protesters, slammed the police's treatment of the detainees. She said lawyers were denied access to them, and the reasons for their arrest were not properly disclosed. "We saw the situation ourselves. The protesters were injured; the girls' clothes were torn, and those who were protesting were in very bad condition," she said.
Judicial custody
Court remands accused to judicial custody
The Patiala House Court has sent all six accused to judicial custody. Five were moved to regular judicial custody, while one was shifted to a safe house after claiming he is a juvenile. Maoist commander Hidma was killed in a police encounter in Andhra Pradesh last week. Speaking to reporters, a protester said, "Hidma is a tribal person who took up arms to fight for their rights. People may disagree with the method...but they cannot deny the reason behind it."