New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): The situation at Jantar Mantar spiralled out of control once again on Wednesday night as fresh violence broke out during the ongoing protest. Intense clashes erupted between protesters and security personnel on the stretch between Tolstoy Marg and Parliament Street. Delhi Police alleged that the agitators suddenly began pelting stones and hurling bottles at security forces. The violence left nearly a dozen personnel, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), two inspectors, and several Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, injured. The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police also claimed that several protesters were seen brandishing khukris on the road.

According to Delhi Police, the violence began at around 8:30 p.m. Security personnel had been deployed on Tolstoy Marg to maintain law and order when a group of protesters arrived and allegedly launched a sudden stone-pelting attack on the forces. Police claimed that some of the agitators were carrying swords, khukris, sticks, and stones, which were allegedly used to assault security personnel.

As the situation deteriorated, police and security forces moved in to regain control. Additional police personnel were rushed to the spot. Security forces resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd and also fired tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. Following the police action, the alleged miscreants fled the area. However, the atmosphere in and around the protest site remained tense for a considerable period.

According to police officials, the ACP of Connaught Place was among those injured in the attack. After sustaining a head injury, the officer was immediately taken to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on the instructions of senior officials. Other injured police personnel and RAF jawans were also shifted to hospital for primary medical treatment.

Delhi Police further claimed that several protesters were openly waving swords and khukris during the violence. Police also suspect that some outside anti-social elements may have infiltrated the crowd, contributing to the escalation of the unrest. This angle is also being investigated. Following the violence, security has been further tightened on Tolstoy Marg, Parliament Street, and in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar. Additional companies of Delhi Police and security forces have been deployed in the area. Police also appealed to the protesters through loudspeakers to maintain peace and avoid further escalation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar