Videos of police using disproportionate force during the July 20 march to Parliament have gone viral, yet Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs have offered no official response. Injured protesters and eyewitnesses refute police claims that demonstrators threw bricks.

Key Takeaways

  • Police used batons and pellet guns on unarmed demonstrators during the July 20 march.
  • Despite mounting evidence, Delhi Police and MHA have not issued any statement.
  • Delhi High Court ordered preservation of CCTV and video evidence and directed a probe.

Background

On July 22, the Delhi High Court sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on public‑interest litigations alleging excessive force during the march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The court also instructed authorities to secure all CCTV footage and video recordings.

Official Actions

More than 100 police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were injured. Two young protestors required surgery after being hit by pellets, one facing potential loss of vision. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Lamba, seen slapping a woman on video, was removed from protest‑related duties and posted to northeast Delhi.

Eyewitness Account

Eenesh (26), a resident of Chhattisgarh, who was among the first injured near Jantar Mantar, told reporters, “None of the protesters attacked the police. The area was blocked by high barricades, and a massive push from behind caused people to fall. That’s when the police started beating us with batons. I saw about 200 people injured.” He denied the police claim that bricks were thrown, noting there were no loose rocks in the cramped space.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that unchecked police excesses erode public trust and set a dangerous precedent for democratic dissent in India.

"If constitutional courts fail to curb such excessive force, it effectively grants police a licence to act with impunity," senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan said.
Did You Know?: Jantar Mantar, originally an 18th‑century astronomical observatory, is now a symbolic hub for India’s democratic protests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has the police launched an investigation?

A: No official statement or inquiry has been announced by Delhi Police or the MHA.

Q2: What orders did the High Court issue?

A: The court ordered preservation of all video evidence and demanded written responses from the Centre and police.