Riot-like situation sweeps 'helpless' city

Security personnel had a hard time controlling thousands of youth, activists and concerned citizens who arrived near Rashtrapati Bhawan to demand justice for the gang rape victim on Saturday, as the day turned out to be a day of violent face-off.

Violence was noticed after security personnel, including Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force, used water cannons and resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charge regularly to push back protesters.

Public announcement was made on a regular basis asking for a peaceful protest, but a certain section forced the security personnel to initiate drastic measures.

It all began at around 11 am when a group tried to break through steel barricades and indulged in a tussle with the outer ring of police officers. Senior officials used two water cannon vehicles stationed there for around 10 minutes which dispersed the crowd for a while.

Second time, the protesters were aware that another attempt to break the barricades would not be a good option and decided to hold street plays and shout slogans.

Some of them were also involved in freak methods which included climbing up poles and burning effigy of the accused. In between they kept abusing Delhi Police and the state government for failure of maintaining security which led to the gang rape.

Several people, including policemen, suffered severe injuries in the clashes and were rushed to the nearby Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in ambulances kept on standby near Central Secretariat.

“It again proves that powerful people and criminals get away with anything, but common man would not be spared even if he or she decides to be part of peaceful demonstrations,” said Amrit Kaur, a Jesus and Mary College  student.

According to police, 35 civillians and 37 police personnel were injured. “A Delhi Police constable and a RAF inspector got severe head injury. Two deputy commissioners of police --Rajesh Deo and Sanjay Kumar Tyagi-- were also injured,” said Rajan Bhagat, police spokesperson.

Around 30 barricades, six buses, two motorcycles, and two government vehicles parked at Vayu Bhavan belonging to Delhi Police and DTC were also damaged. False light and decoratives at Vijay Chowk were also damaged.

A case of rioting and destruction to public property has been registered at Parliament Street police station. “Persons responsible for this, who are clearly seen through media footage will be actioned in this case,” Bhagat added.