Vested interests indulging in violence: Police on protests

As it repeatedly resorted to lobbing teargas shells and use of force against protesters at India Gate, Delhi Police today claimed that some "vested interests" had joined the protesters and were instigating violence.

In its report sent to Home Ministry, sources said, police claimed that it had to resort to baton charge and lobbing teargas shells due to violence.

Sources said Delhi Police informed the Ministry that "some vested interests" had joined the protesters and were fomenting trouble.

"Police had to take action like lathicharge and lobbing teargas because of violence. Otherwise it is taking extra precaution to maintain peace," sources quoted Delhi Police as saying.

Earlier in the day, police asked youths protesting against the gang-rape of a young girl to stage demonstrations either at Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Maidan.

"Protestors may go to Ramlila Maidan or Jantar Mantar. Traffic has been diverted from Vijay Chowk and Rajpath," a Delhi Police statement said.

It said prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have been issued in New Delhi area except at Jantar Mantar.

However, police had to resort to repeated baton charge and lobbing of teargas shells as the protest at India Gate turned violent.