Police Families Call For Debate On Violence During CJP Protest

Families Say Police Side Ignored

At their press meet held at Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, family members of police personnel argued that their pain had somehow escaped public attention.

Seema, wife of an ASI officer said, “There is a narrative that it was the students who were protesting, and that the police personnel resorted to brutality. But this is only one side.”

She added, “There should be talks on how police were injured. Cognisance should be taken. They are the same police personnel who are deployed in protecting Parliament and the country, and we hope this issue is taken up in Parliament.”

Daughter Recalls Brutal Assault At Protest

Kunjal said that her father, who had prior experience of 15 years in the Navy as a marine commando, had repeatedly told them that the student protest was no longer student-driven, as undesirable elements had already joined the protest. Later on July 25, according to her, he was placed on the first barricade in Jantar Mantar, where he was assaulted.

"Whenever my father came home at night, he used to say that the protest no longer seemed like a student protest. Many antisocial elements had become involved in it. The very next day, on the 25th, my father was pulled by a rowdy mob and was almost lynched near the stage at Jantar Mantar. This happened on the 25th at around 2:00pm. He remained unconscious at RML Hospital for about four hours. Around 10:00pm, his colleagues brought him home, and his uniform was completely stained with blood. It was extremely painful for us to see him in that condition, " she said.

ACP's Son Alleges Stone-Pelting Attack

The son of the ACP alleged he received a photograph of his father in which a part of his head was shaved after he was hit by stones while trying to protect officers from the mob. 

He said, “Around 2 pm, a friend called to tell me my father had been injured. I was terrified.”

“My father said rowdy and disruptive elements had exploited the protest and tried to create mayhem. The stone-pelting began suddenly while he was briefing his staff. He tried to shield his seniors but was attacked,” he added.

Opposition Pressure Over Delhi Police Action

The conference comes at a time when Opposition parties have consistently been demanding explanations from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the Home Minister, Amit Shah about alleged police agitation on students during the entire student protest which resulted in the resignation of Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. 

Also, the Opposition, along with the CJP, have been urging for withdrawing cases registered against the students, in connection to this incident. The Delhi Police has assured that no legal action would be taken against student protestors; except for those having a criminal past. Based on the Delhi government order, the home department had stated that the review and release procedures for the arrested would be expedited.