118 cops injured, 70 detained after CJP protest turns violent in Delhi

Delhi [India], July 21 (HBTV): More than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers, were injured and around 70 protesters were detained on Monday after the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' protest march turned violent in New Delhi, police said.

Delhi Police released a statement accusing protesters of displaying "unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour" during the protest, attacking security personnel, and damaging government vehicles and public property.

'During today's protest by CJP in the New Delhi area, the protesters displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour. Despite repeated warnings and lawful directions issued by the police, they refused to disperse and deliberately violated the prohibitory orders in force,' the police statement said.

The protesters attacked police personnel with stones and other objects, attempted to breach police barricades, vandalised police and other government vehicles, damaged public property, and resorted to large-scale violence, posing a serious threat to public order, the security arrangements in place, and the safety of police personnel performing their lawful duties, it said.

Police said more than 118 personnel sustained injuries in the violence, including senior officers holding the ranks of Special Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police and Assistant Commissioner of Police, besides several women police personnel.

'During the scuffle, around 60 protesters were also reported to get injured. The medico-legal examination (MLC) of the remaining injured police personnel is underway,' the statement said.

According to the police, the violent mob also caused extensive damage to public property.

(Inputs from NDTV)