A protest held at India Gate on Sunday against the worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR took a violent turn after a group of demonstrators allegedly attacked police personnel with pepper spray. The incident occurred when authorities attempted to disperse the gathering, which had assembled to demand immediate measures to address the Capital’s “very poor” air quality.
According to a senior police official, three to four personnel suffered burns and inflammation caused by the pepper spray and were rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable.
The protest began peacefully as several citizens gathered near India Gate to voice concerns about the unchecked pollution levels and urge authorities to implement stronger control measures. However, tensions escalated when some protesters entered the C-Hexagon area and attempted to breach barricades placed to regulate movement.
Police said they repeatedly asked the demonstrators to step back, explaining that several ambulances and medical vehicles were stuck behind the protest site and urgently needed access. Despite warnings, some protesters became increasingly agitated, leading police personnel to anticipate a possible confrontation.
As the officers attempted to clear the area, members of the group reportedly used pepper spray on them, causing immediate chaos. The injured policemen were assisted by colleagues and transported for medical care.
Authorities later dispersed the crowd and restored movement in the area. An investigation has been initiated to identify the individuals responsible for the pepper spray attack.
The incident highlights growing public frustration over Delhi’s hazardous air quality, even as law enforcement deals with rising tensions during environmental demonstrations.
