'Protesters Came Fully Prepared, Raised Hidma Slogans, Used Pepper Spray': Delhi Police To Court

The Delhi Police on Monday informed a local court that the protesters detained during the India Gate demonstration “came completely equipped,” used pepper spray on police personnel, and raised slogans

in support of slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma,

Such activities led to the arrest of 22 people and registration of two FIRs, the police said.

Police said the group gathered at C-Hexagon near India Gate on Sunday evening, claiming to protest against the capital’s toxic air, blocked the road without permission, displayed posters of Hidma, and refused to disperse.

When officers attempted to remove them, several protesters allegedly broke barricades and attacked police personnel with chilli spray, injuring three to four officers who were taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

#WATCH | Delhi | Protestors who have been arrested following yesterday’s protest at the India Gate being taken to Patiala House Court.

As per the Delhi Police, “The protesters were holding posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma (who was recently killed in the encounter). When… https://t.co/TwrT3JSFEc pic.twitter.com/t16Dm4dtOD

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2025

According to the officials, two separate FIRs have been lodged.

At Kartavya Path Police Station, six men have been booked under BNS sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223, and 61(2). A second FIR at Sansad Marg Police Station names other accused under BNS sections 223A, 132, 221, 121A, 126(2), and 3(5).

“A protest was held over pollution, but participants were carrying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. When they tried to block the road, police intervened. The protesters then sprayed pepper spray on our personnel and attempted to attack them. They had come completely equipped. Legal action is underway,” Delhi Police said in court.

The arrested protesters were produced at Patiala House Court on Monday as the police sought further action.

Officers said the demonstrators sat on the road for nearly an hour, chanting slogans including “Madvi Hidma amar rahe” and holding placards such as: “From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on.”

Hidma, a top CPI (Maoist) commander linked to at least 26 major attacks on security forces and civilians, was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh on November 18.

He is believed to have played key roles in the 2010 Dantewada attack that killed 76 CRPF personnel, the 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre that left 27, including a senior Congress leader, dead, and the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush in which 22 security personnel were slain.