Delhi pollution protest turns violent as agitators spray chilli pepper on cops, 15 detained
Police said that the protesters near the C-Hexagon area blocked ambulances and medical staff from moving ahead.
PTC News Desk: A protest in Delhi against deteriorating air quality turned violent after agitators clashed with police personnel at India Gate on Sunday. Several protestors reportedly threw chilli powder at police personnel who were attempting to remove the agitators.
Police said that the protesters near the C-Hexagon area blocked ambulances and medical staff from moving ahead. On the other hand, the protesters accused the government of “trying to silence people” whenever they speak up about issues. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is getting worse, and the polluted air is creating major health risks for people living in the city. Some health experts have even recommended that residents leave Delhi for a while to avoid the harmful air.
“This was very unusual. For the first time, protestors used pepper spray on officers managing traffic and law and order,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said. “A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and face and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard,” he added.