New Delhi – Twenty-two people were arrested on Monday following a protest at India Gate against the rising pollution levels in the national capital. The demonstration, held on Sunday evening, saw dozens of participants staging a sit-in demanding urgent government action over the deteriorating air quality. Police stated that the protest was held without permission.
According to officials, when a team was sent to disperse the crowd, some protesters allegedly used pepper spray on police personnel and misbehaved with women officers. Authorities also claimed that a group within the crowd raised pro-Maoist slogans during the confrontation. The protesters were detained on Sunday night and formally arrested the following day.
The detainees were produced before a city magistrate on Monday, November 24. Judicial Magistrate Sahil Monga ordered 17 of them, including 11 women, to be sent to judicial custody for three days. Judicial Magistrate Aridaman Singh Cheema sent the remaining five — all college students — to two days’ judicial custody while rejecting an application by one of them seeking permission to appear for final examinations scheduled for Tuesday.
Some of the women demonstrators alleged in court that they were beaten in police custody. Authorities have denied the allegations, stating that force was used only to control the crowd.
Police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered under sections related to unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, and assault. They also stated that further arrests may follow if more individuals are identified through video footage.
The incident highlights growing frustration among Delhi residents as pollution levels continue to worsen heading into winter. Activists have warned that more protests may be held if no immediate measures are taken to alleviate the smog crisis.
