AIIMS RDA seeks President’s intervention over Jantar Mantar crackdown, Wangchuk hospitalisation

NEW DELHI: The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of AIIMS, New Delhi, on Monday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu seeking an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar, expressing concern over the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters and raising questions over the continued hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. In its letter, the RDA said reports and widely circulated videos of the protest indicated the use of lathi charge, tear gas and physical force against protesters, including students, doctors and young citizens. While noting that certain aspects of the incident remain contested, the association said the available videos and eyewitness accounts had raised serious concerns over the manner in which peaceful democratic dissent was handled. The doctors’ body also expressed concern over videos purportedly showing police personnel with their faces and name badges covered, saying such actions undermine transparency and accountability.