Pepper spray, Naxalite posters: High drama in India Gate pollution protest, know here what happened and what action was taken

Ankita Jain,

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A protest in the India Gate area against Delhi’s deteriorating air quality turned violent on the evening of Sunday, November 23, when a section of protesters allegedly used chilli and pepper spray on Delhi Police personnel while dispersing the crowd.

According to news agency PTI, the protesters had gathered near the C-Hexagon and were informed that their demonstration was obstructing the movement of ambulances and medical staff.

When police tried to clear the area and restore traffic flow, the situation escalated into a scuffle. “Some protesters used pepper spray on our personnel, which is unusual and rare,” DCP Devesh Kumar Mahala told reporters.

Additional concerns were also recorded at the protest site, including posters of senior Maoist leader Madvi Hidma and slogans in support of him. “The protesters were seen holding posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma,” the DCP said.

“It was very unusual. For the first time, protesters used pepper spray on officers handling traffic and law and order,” Mahala told reporters.

“Some of our officers were sprayed on their eyes and faces and are currently undergoing treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard,” he said.

action taken in the case

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According to PTI, fifteen protesters were initially arrested for disrupting government work, attacking police personnel and blocking public roads. News agency ANI later reported that 22 people have been arrested.

Two FIRs have been registered under various provisions of the Indian Code of Justice (BNS) – one at the Duty Path police station and the other at the Sansad Marg police station, including sections related to assault, unlawful assembly and preventing public servants from performing their duties.

The arrested protesters were produced in Delhi’s Patiala House Court on the afternoon of 24 November.

Delhi’s air quality is continuously deteriorating

According to PTI, the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air has described the city’s air pollution as a “serious threat” to public health and alleged that officials are relying on “cosmetic measures” rather than long-term solutions.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the average AQI in Delhi on the morning of November 24 was 396, placing it in the “very poor” category.

Several areas, including Ghazipur, Anand Vihar and Bawana, recorded AQI levels in the “severe” category, while dense fog was recorded around key locations such as AIIMS, ITO and India Gate.

India News