Cops hit workers at HQ, says Congress; police refute allegations

NEW DELHI: As videos of Delhi Police cops bursting into the Congress office and taking away workers went viral on Wednesday, the party alleged that the police action was a violation of norms of democracy and accused the police of acting on the orders of its political masters. The Delhi Police, however, denied the charge as false.
Congress on Wednesday filed an official complaint at the Tughlak Road police station against the Delhi police entering the party premises. A delegation of leaders, including Avinash Pande, Harish Choudhary, Pranav Jha and Vamshi Reddy met with the ACP and SHO, and presented a detailed written complaint highlighting the illegal actions of officials of the Delhi Police in entering and attacking workers of the INC, without provocation. “We hope that Delhi police will take swift and appropriate action against the offenders who have brought shame to the rule of law and our constitution,” they said.
In protest against the police action, Congress has asked all the state units to gherao the Raj Bhavans on Thursday. The city police force falls under the Centre. AICC general secretary incharge of organisation, K C Venugopal said, “As they burst the doors open to the AICC HQ, they trampled upon the democracy our forefathers fought and gave their lives for. BJP has truly killed Indian democracy. It doesn’t get darker than this.” Former home minister P Chidambaram said it was an “outrageous violation of liberty”.
But, the Delhi Police rejected as “totally false” the allegations about entering the party office and beating up workers. It said despite its suggestion to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar, Congress leaders with “utter disregard of SC guidelines” tried to create public disturbance in the area. “The allegations are totally false and we denied them strongly,” a senior police officer said.
“About 240 functionaries of the INC have been detained for violation of lawful directions of police, including five MP’s. A total of 33 women protesters were detained who have already been released. Some police personnel also sustained injuries during the mob control exercise but they maintained restraint and preserved peace by effectively controlling the situation. Few miscreants also burnt some tyres which created panic among the public and caused traffic jams on the busy road. Suitable legal action is being taken for such illegal acts of the party leaders or supporters by forming an unlawful assembly,” said Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS, special commissioner of police.