Delhi Police have registered two FIRs and arrested 22 people after a protest against the city’s worsening air quality turned violent at India Gate on Sunday evening. The first FIR was filed at Kartavya Path Police Station, where six male protesters were arrested under BNS sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223, and 61(2). The second FIR was lodged at Sansad Marg Police Station, booking other protesters under BNS sections 223A, 132, 221, 121A, 126(2), and 3(5).
According to the police, the protest escalated when demonstrators refused to clear the C-Hexagon area despite repeated requests, including appeals to allow ambulances to pass. During the confrontation, some protesters allegedly used chilli or pepper spray on police personnel. DCP Devesh Mahla said it was the first time officers had encountered chilli spray being used against them during a demonstration. Four police personnel suffered eye and facial injuries and were taken to RML Hospital.
Police said the protesters broke barricades and blocked the main road near India Gate after being removed from the lawns. This caused traffic disruption in the area. The protest was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air and drew participation from several student groups, who accused the government of ignoring the real causes of pollution and taking superficial steps.
The demonstration also saw posters and slogans praising slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. A man carrying a poster linked environmental struggles with Maoist militancy. Police said they are reviewing video footage to identify people who raised such slogans and will take legal action.
Some students accused the police of rough handling and seizing their phones, but the police denied the claim and said they acted only after officers were attacked.
The protest came at a time when Delhi continues to face severe air pollution. On Monday morning, the city’s overall AQI touched 396, with several areas such as Ghazipur, Bawana and Anand Vihar recording ‘Severe’ levels above 430.
