Delhi pollution protest turns ugly as demonstrators 'use pepper spray' on police; 15 arrested

Delhi Police registered an FIR and arrested a group of 15 people protesting at the India Gate over the rising air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR for allegedly using chilly spray on police personnel, obstructing official work and blocking the road.

About four police personnel were injured due to the pepper spray and are being treated at the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, PTI reported.

The protestors, who had gathered near India Gate to demand action on Delhi's poor air quality, were removed by the police.

The protesters had assembled near the India Gate and were holding a demonstration demanding action on Delhi's 'very poor' air quality. They were later removed by police personnel.

"Some of the protesters had entered the C-hexagon and attempted to cross the barricades put up to restrict movement. We tried to explain to them that many ambulances and medical personnel were stuck behind them and required emergency access, but they got very agitated," PTI reported quoting a senior official.

Sensing that the situation could turn tense, the police asked protestors to step back.

"They refused, broke the barricade, came onto the road, and sat there. When our teams were trying to remove them, some of the protestors attacked police personnel using chilli spray. Three to four personnel sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment," the officer said.

The protestors were subsequently removed from the C-hexagon to avoid traffic disruption.

According to Mahla, this is the first time police personnel have encountered pepper spray during a crowd control operation.

"This was very unusual. For the first time, protestors used chilly spray on officers managing traffic and law and order," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla told PTI.

"A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and face and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard," he said.

Meanwhile, Delhi continued to choke with AQI crossing 400 in several regions on Monday.