Protesters Allege Brutality and Misconduct by Delhi Police During Arrests

In a disturbing account of events that unfolded in Central Delhi on Sunday, many protesters, including Naureen, were apprehended while participating in a peaceful demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. What transpired following their arrest, far from the gaze of the public and media, has prompted serious allegations of police misconduct and brutality.

Naureen, who is affiliated with the Revolutionary Workers Party of India, described the harrowing conditions inside a police van where she and 16 other detainees, predominantly women, were reportedly subjected to physical violence. “Once inside, we were attacked one by one,” she recounted, detailing how another protester, Aranya from the Disha Students’ Organisation, was physically assaulted by female police officers. “They pinned Aranya down at the van’s entrance, with one constable choking her while another struck her with her elbows,” Naureen said. Shockingly, a police officer subsequently removed Aranya, citing the need for medical care.

Furthermore, Naureen alleged that women in the group were targeted specifically, with officers striking them on sensitive areas, including their breasts and private parts. This strategy of intimidation and violence has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in police custody. Protesters inside two separate police vans shared similar narratives of fear and brutality, expressing that they were kept in transit for hours, only to be taken to a detention center located 40 kilometers away in Pandwalan Khurd, Najafgarh, South-West Delhi. Such long detentions add to the sense of distress among those apprehended.

The protests, part of a larger movement against alleged systemic vote rigging, reflect growing discontent among various student organizations and political groups in India. Activists argue that these events underscore a broader issue concerning the suppression of dissent and the treatment of individuals exercising their democratic rights. The Delhi Police, tasked with maintaining order, now faces scrutiny over their methods and the treatment of those who speak out against authority.

As the nation grapples with significant political issues, the allegations of police brutality serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by protesters advocating for transparency and justice. The call for accountability becomes ever more pressing as civil society continues to stand against what many perceive as authoritarian measures to stifle free speech and peaceful assembly.

Source: scroll.in