15 Arrested Delhi Pollution Protesters: Chaos At India Gate After Chilli Spray Attack On Police

15 Arrested Delhi Pollution Protesters Clash With Police At India Gate, Use Chilli Spray As Air Crisis Sparks Heated Demonstration

A major confrontation unfolded in the national capital after a protest demanding effective action against Delhi’s severe air pollution took a chaotic turn. The Delhi Police confirmed that 22 participants were arrested on Monday on charges of assaulting government officials on duty. The development comes after protesters allegedly used chilli powder and pepper spray on police personnel deployed at India Gate on Sunday, leading to injuries and emergency medical intervention.

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Reason Behind The Protest: Demands For Real Solutions

The demonstration was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air to highlight the alarming deterioration of Delhi’s air quality. According to the group, the capital has remained trapped in the “severe” pollution category for several weeks. Activists accused authorities of taking what they called “cosmetic measures” such as water sprinkling, cloud seeding experiments and symbolic cleaning near AQI stations instead of adopting long-term policy reforms to combat toxic air. The protesters claimed that the continued smog crisis reflects a failed development model, contributing to environmental destruction, displacement and extreme climate conditions.

Controversial Slogans Add To Tension

Protest Turns Political And Sensitive

The situation became more sensitive after some individuals within the gathering were heard shouting “Long Live Hidma” slogans. Madvi Hidma, a senior Maoist commander, was recently killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitaramaraju district on November 18. Known as one of the most feared Maoist leaders, he carried a reward of ₹1 crore. The use of such slogans triggered strong reactions, raising concern over extremist symbolism merging with civil demonstrations.

Protest Site Chaos: Ambulances Blocked, Police Intervene

Police Issue Multiple Warnings Before Action

Officials reported that demonstrators had gathered near the C-Hexagon stretch at India Gate, blocking routes critical for emergency vehicles. Police stated they repeatedly requested protesters to move aside as ambulances and medical service vehicles were stuck due to the road blockade. However, protestors allegedly refused to disperse or shift the demonstration to a designated space.

Barricades Broken, Chilli Spray Used

The confrontation intensified when the crowd attempted to breach barricades and occupy the main road. Police officers tried to remove them forcibly, leading to a heated clash. During the scuffle, several protesters reportedly targeted police with chilli powder and pepper spray, a tactic officers described as highly unusual and dangerous. According to officials quoted by PTI, at least three to four personnel suffered injuries to the eyes and facial areas and were rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.

Legal Action And Reactions

FIRs Filed As Investigation Continues

Following the incident, two separate FIRs were registered at Kartavyapath Police Station and Parliament Street Police Station. Charges include obstructing public duty, assault, unlawful assembly and endangering public safety. Police emphasised that blocking emergency vehicle pathways is a punishable offence due to the risk posed to patient lives.

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Activists Accuse Authorities Of Suppression

In response, representatives of the organising committee said that instead of addressing environmental crises seriously, the government has chosen repression. They alleged detentions, restrictions and attempts to silence voices calling for clean air and public health. According to them, protesting for breathable air should not be criminalised.

A Larger Debate On Citizens’ Rights & Law Enforcement

The incident has once again ignited debate over balancing democratic protest rights and public order. While activists defend peaceful demonstrations as essential, law enforcement agencies argue that public safety and emergency movement cannot be compromised. As Delhi continues to choke under one of the world’s worst air quality levels, both sides remain firm in their stance, leaving the public divided on where the line must be drawn.

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