Delhi police accused of beating, assaulting detainees, denying them basic rights

A series of protests took place in New Delhi involving student bodies, political parties, and organizations such as the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. In response to these demonstrations, the Delhi Police initiated widespread preventive crackdowns, detaining numerous protesters, political leaders, and activists on October 10. Petitioners subsequently approached the Supreme Court, accusing the police of using excessive force, physical assault, illegal detention, and denying basic rights to those taken into custody.

According to the allegations raised in petitions before the Supreme Court, detainees reported being transported in prison vans, verbally and physically abused, and denied water. One group of detainees alleged they were taken to an isolated police camp, seated in rows, and systematically beaten after their phones were confiscated. Furthermore, reports emerged that injured protesters faced difficulties obtaining medico-legal case details from hospitals and police due to alleged pressure to withhold information, while journalists also narrated accounts of assault and detention.

In defense of the actions, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court stating that the preventive measures were necessary based on intelligence inputs and past violence during a July 20 protest. The police chief maintained that detainees were kept for only two to six hours in makeshift centers, provided with fresh meals, and that political leaders were hosted in station house officer chambers with refreshments. Both the police chief and the Union Home Secretary submitted unconditional apologies in response to a contempt notice, asserting that internet suspensions and train cancellations were proportionate measures to maintain public order.

Not yet reported: The articles do not specify the final judicial directives or orders issued by the Supreme Court bench following the submission of the affidavits.