Delhi police accused of beating, assaulting detainees, denying them basic rights
Protesters and activists in New Delhi have accused the police of using excessive force, including physical beatings and the denial of basic necessities like water, during recent detentions. The incidents occurred during rallies protesting the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and other political grievances.
Why it matters
The allegations raise significant concerns regarding civil liberties, police conduct, and the state of democratic protest rights in India.
Detainees’ accounts of beatings, assaults, and excessive force used by the Delhi police over the last few days have raised concerns about post-detention practices of law enforcement personnel.
Thousands of protesters have been detained by the police in the national capital on October 10, 11, and 12, including journalists, members of youth organisations, and minors.
There was a fresh slew of detentions on Monday (October 12, 2026) as youth organisations, including the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India (RWPI), and Disha Students’ Organisation, carried out a flash mob rally at Barakhamba Road, protesting the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. They were stopped by the police at Sansad Marg and detained.
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