How excessive police force turns peaceful marches into medical crises
Protesters in New Delhi have reported severe health consequences following the use of 'less-lethal' crowd control measures by police. Medical experts warn that devices like tear gas and shock batons can cause long-term disabilities and organ damage when misused.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between state security measures and the human rights of peaceful protesters.
When 23-year-old Arhaan (name changed to protect identity) reached his accommodation after attending the Cockroach Janta Party protest march in New Delhi on July 20, his ears kept ringing with pain when he closed his eyes.
He remembers it started when a canister had burst with a loud sound near his head when he was trapped between the barricades and the police. He said he blacked out for a minute when it happened, before running away when the police started lathi-charging.
In the series of protests in Jantar Mantar called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the Delhi police and security personnel have been accused of using lathis, tear gas, pellet guns, and shock batons against peaceful protestors. Several protestors had to be treated for injuries, with one 20-year-old woman requiring ventilator support.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in