Tezzbuzz Desk- Delhi Police has presented its stand in the Supreme Court regarding the student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities related to the examination. In the affidavit filed in the court, the police have denied the allegations of using excessive force on the protesters. Police say that initially the protest was peaceful, but when some people in the crowd tried to break the barricades and move towards the Parliament, the situation worsened and it became necessary to use force.
In the counter affidavit filed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, the police have said that about 5 thousand policemen were deployed to control the crowd of about 30 thousand protesters. According to police, more than 240 policemen and uniformed officers were injured in the clashes during the protest, while around 200 protesters and civilians were also injured. This affidavit has been filed in response to four petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into alleged police excesses.
Situation worsened after barricade broke
Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that the protest had started peacefully, but later a large number of protesters started moving forward by breaking several layers of barricades. According to the police, a clash broke out after the crowd went out of control and the police had to use force to maintain law and order.
The affidavit states that about 5 thousand policemen were deployed to handle the crowd of more than 30 thousand people spread over an area of about three kilometers. Police claim that some anti-social elements and history-sheeters had also joined the crowd, making the situation more serious.
Parliament march was not allowed
The police, in their response, said that the protesters were not allowed to march towards Parliament. In such a situation, the police termed the attempt to move towards the Parliament as an illegal act done by an illegal assembly.
Delhi Police has also raised questions on the evidence presented by the petitioners. Police say that the petitions filed in the court are based on selected photographs, incomplete videos and media and social media reports without independent verification. According to the police, these materials do not reveal the full context of the legal action taken by its officers.
Police's clarification on the allegation of sticks with nails
Delhi Police has also given clarification on the allegation of use of sticks with nails during the demonstration. Police say that the video shows an incident involving such a stick, but it was not in the hands of the policeman. According to the police, it was a stick with the national flag attached to it.
Police said batons are acceptable crowd control tools and officers used prescribed methods to control the situation. Police allege that some groups of protesters attacked the officers, leading to the use of force.
Claim of attack on policemen also
In the affidavit, the police have claimed that in several videos, large groups of protesters are seen assaulting policemen. According to police, some officers were stripped of their protective equipment, dragged and pushed towards the footpath.
Police also said that there are records of serious criminal cases like murder, attempt to murder, robbery, rape and POCSO registered against about 2,873 people. These cases will be investigated by the SIT constituted by the Delhi Police Commissioner. Police said that if the Supreme Court constitutes a committee to impartially investigate the use of force, then Delhi Police will fully cooperate with it.
Answer on deployment of policemen in plain clothes
During the demonstration, questions were also raised about the policemen present in plain clothes and carrying sticks. On this, the police said that these officers were strategically deployed in the crowd as 'spotters'.
According to the affidavit, officials of Special Branch, Special Cell, Crime Branch and local police were present among the crowd. Police said such tactics are not unusual and are also used during major public events like Independence Day and Republic Day.
Clarification given on facial recognition software also
Delhi Police also presented its stand on the questions raised regarding the use of facial recognition software at the protest site. Police described this as part of proportionate policing and said that the software does not automatically record data of every person involved in the protest. According to the police, it is not used for indiscriminate surveillance of peaceful protesters or to collect their personal information. Police also said that no action is taken against any person on the basis of facial recognition alone. After identification, field verification is done.
In the affidavit, the police claimed that the system mainly helps in identifying people with past records of serious crimes. People with minor cases like traffic challans are not identified through this. Delhi Police has told the Supreme Court that its use of force during the protest was commensurate with the circumstances and necessary steps were taken to maintain law and order.