The Delhi Police has rejected allegations that excessive force was used against protesters during a July 20 demonstration at Jantar Mantar, saying the large size of the gathering and the subsequent breach of police barricades made intervention necessary.
The police made the submission in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court in response to petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged police action during the protest.
Police Says Crowd Spread Across 3 Km
According to the police, more than 30,000 people participated in the demonstration, with the gathering stretching across nearly three kilometres.
Around 5,000 police personnel were deployed to control the situation and maintain security around the protest site.
The police said the demonstration was initially peaceful but later became difficult to manage after some protesters allegedly crossed or broke through barricades.
‘Graded Force’ Used To Control Situation
The Delhi Police has maintained that its personnel did not resort to disproportionate action.
In its affidavit, the force said the response was “graded” and was based on the circumstances developing at the spot.
Police officials argued that the size of the crowd, the pressure on barricades and the subsequent disturbance required security personnel to intervene to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Supreme Court Petitions Seek Probe
The affidavit has been submitted in connection with four petitions before the Supreme Court. The petitions seek an investigation monitored by the top court into allegations of excessive police force during the Jantar Mantar protest.
The police’s latest response puts its version of events before the Supreme Court as the court considers the allegations and the demands for an independent probe.
Police Rejects Excessive Force Allegations
The Delhi Police has therefore denied that protesters were subjected to unnecessary or excessive force. Its position is that the action taken by personnel was proportionate to the situation on the ground.
The matter remains before the Supreme Court, which will consider the rival claims made by the protesters and the police.
