Delhi Police Families Speak Out After Student Protest Violence

Families of Delhi Police officers hurt during a recent student protest have voiced their concerns, stating that the violence directed at police personnel has not received sufficient attention. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, they displayed videos showing assaults on the police, alleging that disruptive elements infiltrated the demonstration led by the Cockroach Janta Party. They highlighted serious injuries sustained by multiple officers, many of whom are still in recovery, and called for justice.

A daughter of a Delhi Police Sub-Inspector, injured during the unrest, recounted her father's terrifying experience. She claimed that he was nearly lynched, stating, "He was dragged by a rowdy mob and was almost lynched near the stage at Jantar Mantar." She described how her father's colleagues brought him home later that night, his uniform drenched in blood. The witness expressed concern that the narrative surrounding the event has overlooked the plight of police families, as they are portrayed negatively in public discourse.

Seema, the spouse of another injured officer, reported that her husband suffered injuries after being struck by stones during the march toward Parliament. She stated that he informed her of a surge in protester numbers and increasing aggression among the crowd, which eventually culminated in violence. "They attacked police personnel with flower pots, slippers, shoes, stones and whatever they could find," she said.

Other family members echoed these sentiments, asserting that existing narratives focusing solely on police actions during the protests neglect the perspective of those protecting the public. Lakshya Singh Mehta, whose father is also a police officer, emphasised the increasing hostility and lawlessness at the event. He remarked, "Whenever I go online, I see only derogatory comments against the police. Nobody talks about our side."

These protests have sparked a greater call for the rights and welfare of police officers and their families to be discussed in Parliament, highlighting the need for a balanced dialogue regarding law enforcement and public protests. As families continue to deal with the aftermath of the violence, they are urging the public to listen and understand their experiences amid the larger contentious narratives surrounding the protests.