Detainees Charged with Employing Pepper Spray
The Delhi Police has detained more than 15 individuals for reportedly not dispersing during a protest held on Sunday, which was against the increasing pollution levels in the national capital. The protesters, who staged their demonstration at the C hexagon near India Gate, are said to have used chili spray on police officers, hindering official duties and causing road blockages, according to the police.
Delhi Police officials stated, "Delhi Police filed an FIR and detained over 15 individuals for employing chili spray on police officers, hindering official duties, and obstructing traffic. Appropriate legal sections were cited in the FIR."
Demonstrators Tore Down Barriers, Assaulted Police Officers: DCP
New Delhi's Deputy Commissioner of Police, Devesh Kumar Mahla, mentioned that for the first time, pepper spray was employed against law enforcement officers during a similar protest. In an interview with ANI, DCP Mahla stated, "Some demonstrators gathered inside the C-Hexagon and attempted to breach the barricade we had set up to control movement. However, they refused to comply; they broke through the barrier, entered the road, and sat there...We asked them to move as several ambulances and medical staff were waiting behind them and needed urgent access...We evacuated them from the C-Hexagon to prevent traffic disruption. During the evacuation, several protesters clashed with the police, resulting in injuries to many of our personnel."
For the first time, we have come across the use of pepper spray on police officers. Some of our personnel were sprayed in the eyes and are now being treated at RML Hospital. Legal steps are being taken in this matter," said a Delhi Police official.
Maoist Banners Displayed During Demonstration
Images from the protest location on Sunday revealed activists displaying banners of Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, who was recently killed in a confrontation. "A demonstration took place this evening at C Hexagon, India Gate, regarding pollution. However, the protesters were carrying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. When they attempted to obstruct the road, the police tried to disperse them, but they used pepper spray on the officers and tried to assault them. The police are now initiating legal proceedings against them."
On November 9, people also organized a demonstration at the same location, urging the government to introduce measures to reduce air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Air Quality in Delhi Stays 'Very Poor'
At the same time, a dense layer of smog covered the national capital on Monday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 396 at 7 am, categorized as 'very poor' even though GRAP-III is active in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per the CPCB, the AQI in Ghazipur reached 441. The AQI in Anand Vihar was 440 on Monday morning, falling into the 'Severe' pollution category. A thick layer of harmful smog covered the city near India Gate this morning.
Bawana had an AQI of 434 at 7 am, falling under the 'severe' category. On the other hand, NSIT Dwarka had an AQI of 322, as per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Images from AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital this morning revealed a thick layer of harmful smog covering the region. Similar images from ITO, Mayur Vihar, and Akshardham Temple also showed comparable levels of air pollution.
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) predicts that air quality will fall into the Very Poor category from November 23 to November 26. (ANI)
(Other than the headline, this article has not been edited by the Asianet Newsable English team and is sourced from a syndicated feed.)