Delhi, India Gate – A protest organized under the banner “Delhi Against Clean Air” saw controversy and clashes with police. Groups at the demonstration raised slogans backing CPI (Maoist) leader Madvi Hidma , diverting from the event’s core focus on air pollution. Scientists for Society (SFS) , a key participant, has distanced itself from these unrelated slogans. Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) condemned the incident, labelling the slogans “anti-national” and a “threat to the country’s unity.” Delhi Police arrested 15 individuals following the protest, which included an alleged pepper spray attack on officers.
SFS Distances Itself from Slogans
Scientists for Society (SFS) stated its sole purpose for joining the protest was to address Delhi’s severe air pollution. SFS specifically accused two organizations, Himkhand and bsCEM, of shouting slogans related to the alleged extra-judicial killing of Madvi Hidma . The scientists’ group clarified these slogans were unrelated to the demonstration’s central theme.
SFS stated it condemns such encounters and supports the demand for a high-level inquiry into the alleged killing. However, the group reiterated the air pollution protest was an inappropriate platform for raising such an issue. SFS leaders reported attempting to stop the groups. When their efforts failed, SFS immediately distanced itself, continuing its protest separately. The organization described these actions as “undemocratic” and against the “ethics and common minimum programme” of the joint front.
Police Arrests After Pepper Spray Incident
Delhi Police confirmed 15 arrests following the protest. Charges against the individuals include obstructing police personnel, assault, and blocking a public road. Officials informed PTI that the situation escalated on Sunday when some demonstrators allegedly used pepper spray on police personnel during attempts to clear the area.
A senior police officer explained protesters had gathered close to the C-Hexagon area of India Gate. Police personnel instructed them that their demonstration obstructed the passage of ambulances and medical personnel. The officer stated the situation then turned into a scuffle. Police confirmed some protesters used pepper spray on officers, describing the act as both “unusual and rare” for such demonstrations.
ABVP Demands Strict Action
In a contrasting stance, SFS condemned the detention of protesters and demanded the immediate release of all activists. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) , however, issued a separate, strongly worded statement. ABVP asserted that the slogans raised during the protest specifically “glorified” Naxalite leader Madvi Hidma .
ABVP characterized the incident as “extremely worrying for the country’s unity” and “an attempt to spread unrest.” The student organization called for strict legal action against all individuals responsible for raising such politically charged slogans during the environmental protest.
Delhi’s Worsening Air Quality
The “Delhi Against Clean Air” protest took place amid a continuing decline in Delhi’s air quality. The national capital recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382 . This level falls into the ‘very poor’ category, marking the 11th consecutive day of such conditions.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated even more severe conditions in specific areas. Across Delhi, 15 monitoring stations registered AQI levels above 400. An AQI above 400 is officially classified as ‘severe,’ posing significant health risks to the population.