Delhi AQI at 397; protesters pepper-spray police during scuffle
What's the story
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained in the "very poor" category on Monday, recording an AQI of 397 at 6:00am. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that out of 39 monitoring stations, 20 recorded an AQI above 400, placing them in the "severe" zone. The worst AQI was reported from Vivek Vihar and Rohini at 458. This was followed by Jahangirpuri at 455, Wazirpur (448), and DTU (444).
Protest disruption
Protests at India Gate turn chaotic
On Sunday evening, a protest against Delhi's air quality was held at India Gate. The demonstration turned chaotic when some protesters allegedly used chili spray on police personnel while being removed from the spot. A senior police officer said the protesters were blocking ambulances and medical personnel near C-Hexagon, leading to a scuffle. "We tried to explain to them that emergency vehicles were stuck and needed clear access, but they refused to move," he said, according to PTI.
Legal proceedings
Police officers injured, legal action underway
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said some officers were treated at RML Hospital after being sprayed in the face. He termed it "very unusual" for protesters to use pepper spray on law enforcement and said that it happened "for the first time." So far, 15 to 20 people have been detained, according to India Today. The toxic smog has raised health concerns among residents, prompting doctors and health experts to raise alarms over respiratory issues.
Poster controversy
Slain Maoist commander Hidma's posters seen
The protest, which was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air against the Delhi government's "cosmetic measures" such as water sprinklers and cloud seeding. A video of the demonstration has gone viral, showing a group of protesters sitting and raising slogans against Delhi's air pollution. Among them, one person holds a poster featuring a sketch of Madvi Hidma, the most-wanted Maoist commander killed by Andhra Pradesh Police on November 18.
Twitter Post
Visuals from the protest at India Gate
#WATCH | Delhi: A group of protesters holds a protest at India Gate over air pollution in Delhi-NCR. They were later removed from the spot by police personnel pic.twitter.com/DBEZTeET0U
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025
Minister retorts
Kapil Mishra praises police action
Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra praised the police action against the protesters, describing it as "a befitting response to such an ideology." Taking to the social media platform X on Monday, he said, "Look at yesterday's protest in Delhi: posters in hand under the guise of pollution, Red Salute slogans on their lips. The new face of jihadis and Naxalites posing as social activists."