Two constables and a head constable have been suspended after students and journalists were allegedly beaten up by the Delhi police in the Delhi University’s north campus. Investigation into why violence broke out on campus has been transferred to the Crime Branch after repeated ruckus.
Surprisingly, during the initial spark of conflict, a few of police officers had deliberately seen to push into the crowd and remove their badges, so that they cut off on the risk of being recognised.
In police’s defence, a few constables and head constables did not pay heed to instructions of their seniors to show restraint. “Pictures and video recordings of the incident have been collected from various sources, and three officers have been suspended,” said Special Commissioner of Police (southwestern range) Dependra Pathak.
As Indian Express reported, some policemen entered into crowd fracas while trying to ensure that people didn’t record the incident, keeping their identity safe. An inspector-rank officer, who did not wish to be identified, told The Indian Express that some of his juniors did not pay heed to his instructions when clashes between different student groups broke out near Patel Chest chowk.
“I told them repeatedly to stop beating students and media persons, but they did not listen. Some of them had removed their badges. Photographs showing them in action have been collected,” the inspector said.
“Police will also investigate allegations of media persons being attacked. We have received complaints from them and action will be taken,” said Pathak.
The Police sources added that they had collected footage purportedly showing “azadi slogans” being raised on campus and are unsure if to slam the students with sedition charges for the same.Sources also revealed that the Crime Branch has also started the process of identifying students and teachers who were a part of the tussle. A case under various IPC sections has been registered at Maurice Nagar police station, with sources saying more sections, including that of molestation, could be added. Police continued to patrol the campus on Thursday.
