Allegation of assault on a police officer during Congress protest; video goes viral.
New Delhi. A case of alleged assault on a policeman has come to light during the demonstration by Congress and other opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in the country’s capital Delhi. During the protest near Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, October 7, Delhi Police constable Ankit Kasana alleged that he was surrounded and beaten by a crowd of protesters. After the incident, a video of the constable crying is going viral on social media. In the video, policemen are seen narrating about the alleged assault that happened to them. Police have started investigating the matter and video footage of the incident is being scrutinized.
Accused of being surrounded and beaten by 40 to 50 people
According to Constable Ankit Kasana, he was on security duty during the demonstration by opposition parties in Delhi on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a scuffle started between the protesters and the police. The constable alleges that a crowd of about 40 to 50 people surrounded him from all sides.
He told that the people present in the crowd abused him and started beating him. During this time his uniform was also torn. The constable alleged that some people scratched his face and body with nails and bit his finger.
The constable appeared quite upset after the incident. After the video of him crying surfaced, the discussion regarding the safety of policemen and the incidents that happened during the protest has intensified. However, final confirmation of the allegations will be possible only after police investigation.
Medical examination conducted in hospital
After the alleged assault, constable Ankit Kasana was taken to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for medical examination. His health was examined there.
The constable told the media that during the demonstration the crowd suddenly surrounded him. He alleged that he was assaulted and suffered injuries.
He says that he was performing his government duty during the protest. During this time this incident happened with him. The policeman has demanded action against those who allegedly assaulted him.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also participated in the protest
On Wednesday, leaders of several opposition parties associated with Congress and India Alliance demonstrated in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and many senior leaders of the party participated in this demonstration. The protesters wanted to march towards Jantar Mantar.
Delhi Police stopped the protesters from proceeding further citing security reasons and permission related rules. After this, a heated argument and scuffle broke out between the police and the protesters.
Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several opposition MPs. During this, some leaders also protested by sitting on the road. Opposition leaders accused the police of stopping the demonstration and using force.
Demonstration demanding resignation of Gyanesh Kumar
Congress and opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition has raised questions on the process of Special Intensive Revision of Voter List i.e. SIR and the functioning of the Election Commission.
Opposition leaders allege that there have been irregularities during the revision of the voter list and names of eligible voters have been removed. Congress has intensified its protest against these allegations.
The Election Commission and BJP have rejected the allegations of irregularities and bias in the voter list. The Commission says that the process of revision is being carried out to make the voter list correct and updated.
Continuous demonstrations are taking place in Delhi regarding this dispute. Congress has said that the movement will continue until the demand for resignation of Gyanesh Kumar is met.
Allegations of misbehavior with female policemen also
During Wednesday’s protest, complaints of alleged pushing and assault not only against constable Ankit Kasana but also some women policemen have come to light.
Delhi Police has received many such mobile videos, in which confrontation between policemen and the crowd is visible during the demonstration.
Police are now investigating these videos. Officials are trying to identify the people present at the scene and find out who allegedly assaulted the policemen.
At present all the allegations are being investigated. The final conclusion about the role of an individual will be drawn only after examining the video and other evidence.
Delhi Police is examining video footage
Delhi Police has started investigating the incidents that came to light during the protests around Jantar Mantar. According to police sources, information about the incident is being gathered with the help of videos recorded from mobile phones and other available footage.
Police are trying to find out who allegedly assaulted constable Ankit Kasana and other policemen.
Based on the investigation, preparations are being made to register an FIR under sections of the Indian Justice Code related to obstructing government employees in their work and assaulting them while on duty.
However, according to the available information, the final official confirmation regarding registration of FIR in this case and arrest of the accused has not yet come out.
Controversy increased regarding demonstration in Delhi
The political controversy has also intensified after the demonstration in Delhi on Wednesday. On one hand Congress and