Two Delhi Police personnel who were allegedly kicked and assaulted during Wednesday’s Congress workers’ protest have recounted their experience in an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, alleging that
they and several women police officials were attacked while attempting to manage the crowd.
Constable Devendar Sandhu and Head Constable Bhupender Ahlawat said police personnel repeatedly asked Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to clear the area.
According to the two officials, the situation escalated when police attempted to remove protesters after their requests were allegedly not followed.
Also Read: Congress President To Host Another Lunch For INDIA Bloc MPs At Delhi Restaurant Amid Heavy Police Barricading
‘Kicked And Assaulted Us’
The personnel alleged that Congress workers then kicked and assaulted them during the scuffle. They further claimed that several women police officials were also subjected to physical assault and that some sustained injuries and continued to experience pain after the incident.
Speaking to CNN-News18, the head constable said police personnel are deployed to maintain public order and ensure the safety of citizens, but being subjected to such incidents while performing their duties can have an impact on their morale.
INDIA Bloc Protest Against CEC
The allegations come a day after opposition leaders attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar following a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders. The march was organised against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) row.
The Delhi Police stopped the march and detained several opposition leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Gandhi was taken to Barakhamba Road Police Station after being detained. Visuals showed him attempting to open a barricaded gate as police personnel prevented protesters from moving ahead.
Also Read: Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Named In FIR For ‘Assaulting, Obstructing Cops’ During Protest In Delhi
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also detained and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium Police Station. She was seen lying on the ground during the police action and later alleged that force was used against protesting MPs.
The Delhi Police has registered three FIRs over Wednesday’s protest, with further cases being registered, according to the police. The cases include allegations of assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police officials.
The FIR details released so far also name Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
With inputs from PTI
