Family members of Delhi Police personnel injured during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 on Friday demanded strict action against those responsible, alleging that police officers came under attack while performing their duty. Addressing a press conference, they claimed several personnel sustained injuries after protesters allegedly hurled stones, flower pots, shoes and slippers during the demonstration.
The son of an injured Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) described the condition in which his father returned home after the violence, saying the incident left the family deeply shaken. “My father’s uniform was soaked in blood,” he said, recalling that he was horrified to learn his father had suffered a serious head injury while managing the protest. He added that when he met him after treatment, “his head had been shaved for treatment and he had four stitches. I was extremely scared.” According to him, his father later told the family that “there were anti-social elements mixed in with the crowd and the protesters suddenly began pelting stones,” leaving police personnel with little time to react.
Kunjal, whose father serves as a Sub-Inspector with the Delhi Police, alleged that officers on the ground had sensed the situation deteriorating even before the violence erupted. He said his father, who was stationed at the front-line barricades, repeatedly told the family that “this no longer looked like a students’ protest and that anti-social elements had entered the gathering.” Recalling his father’s injuries, Kunjal said, “When I saw him, his uniform was soaked in blood. Despite having four stitches, he told me, ‘Son, it’s alright. Injuries happen.'” He also criticised the public discourse surrounding the incident, alleging that “People on social media are portraying my father as the criminal while those accused of violence are approaching the courts. We approached the Supreme Court through our advocate and were assured that we, too, have rights that deserve protection.”
Another family member, Seema, whose husband is an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) with the Delhi Police, said he had left for duty early on July 20 and informed her that the crowd at Jantar Mantar was steadily increasing. Later that evening, she learnt that he had been admitted to LNJP Hospital after sustaining injuries. Sharing what her husband told her, Seema said, “The crowd had turned violent and anti-social elements had joined the protesters. The police personnel were attacked with stones, flower pots, shoes and slippers.” She also revealed that the protective helmet issued to him had been completely shattered during the violence, adding, “If one of those stones had hit him directly, he might not have survived. I was terrified until he finally returned home.”
Appealing to political leaders, Seema urged Parliament to also recognise the sacrifices made by police personnel who risk their lives while maintaining law and order. She said, “I want to tell our elected representatives that the issues faced by police personnel and their families should also be discussed in Parliament. Action should be taken against those responsible for these attacks.” She further argued that only one side of the incident had dominated public discussion, stating, “Since July 20, the narrative has been that students were assaulted by the police. That is only one part of the story. There is another side to what happened. Parliament is a symbol of the nation, and the police personnel protecting it also deserve justice and recognition.”
