NEW DELHI: Amid continuing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Delhi Police on Thursday warned demonstrators against targeting police personnel, with DCP Shrishti Pandey alleging that “some form of wrongful influence” was leading the younger generation astray.She also said Section 163 was in force across the national capital and warned that any protest gathering would be considered illegal and invite legal action.Speaking about protesters allegedly targeting police personnel during demonstrations, Pandey said abusing uniformed officers performing lawful duties did not send a positive message to society.
‘Wrongful influence’ leading youth astray, says Delhi Police DCP
“It is clearly evident that there is some form of wrongful influence attempting to lead the young generation in the wrong direction. Abusing police personnel in uniform who are performing their lawful duties-raising a hand against them, attempting to strike, bite, or scratch them-does not send a positive message to society,” she said.Defending the force, she said, “The police have always been there for the public; I do not believe the Delhi Police has ever let anyone down. We have consistently proven ourselves to be a capable and effective force.”She appealed to those involved in the protests to consider the consequences of their actions.“My request to everyone is to consider the long-term consequences and legal repercussions, and to refrain from such illegal actions. Please stay away from this kind of behaviour,” she said.Delhi Police warns against AI-generated protest videosPandey also cautioned the public about AI-generated images and videos of police personnel circulating online.“In today’s times, using AI tools has become extremely easy. Someone who isn’t even in Delhi-or present at the protest site-can sit far away, create a video or generate a photo, and influence everyone with it. Therefore, I urge you not to spread such fake or false news or share it on social media. I appeal to the general public to verify any news they read on social media before believing it,” she said.Pandey said Delhi Police shares updates through its official social media handles.“We are a very transparent force and ensure that any information intended for the public reaches them in a timely manner,” she added.
Delhi Police says Section 163 in force
Ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest on October 10, Pandey said Section 163 was currently in force in the national capital and protests were not permitted at Jantar Mantar or elsewhere.“Section 163 is in effect, meaning protests are not permitted-neither at Jantar Mantar nor anywhere else. Any gathering will be considered illegal, and we would be compelled to take necessary legal action against it,” DCP Shrishti Pandey said.Several Delhi Police personnel have come forward to recount incidents of alleged physical assault while attempting to maintain law and order and enforce Section 163 during the Congress-led protests against the CEC on Wednesday.Delhi Police constable Ankit Kasana alleged that he was attacked and bitten by demonstrators during the opposition protest.Addressing the media, Kasana alleged that some Congress supporters blocked the way and lay down in front of a car.“Yesterday around 6:30, when we were at our duty points, there was a detention going on there. We suddenly found out that Rahul sir had been detained. As soon as we had to get his car out safely, these people weren’t letting us through; sometimes they would lie down in front of the car, and sometimes they would stop the car and push it. As we were trying to turn the car, a private vehicle blocked the way. We saw that there were some Congress supporters,” Kasana told ANI.Kasana further said around 30 to 35 people, both men and women, surrounded him while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was being detained. He alleged that the group abused him, tore his uniform, scratched him with their fingernails and bit him.Kasana was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi for a medical check-up following the incident.
Delhi Police registers FIRs over opposition protest
Delhi Police had earlier registered three FIRs in connection with Wednesday’s opposition protest, with more cases being registered in the matter, the force said on Thursday.The cases were registered under various sections relating to alleged assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police personnel.Amid the ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has deployed “additional reserve” personnel to strengthen the ‘Z+’ category security cover of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, officials said.
Kharge announces fresh INDIA bloc protest against CEC
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that INDIA bloc MPs would hold a peaceful sit-in against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Gandhi Smarak in Delhi amid the ongoing row over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.This will be the third consecutive day of protests by opposition MPs after they marched to Nirvachan Sadan on Tuesday and protested near Jantar Mantar on Wednesday.(With ANI inputs)
