Nation

IIE Digital Desk: According to Delhi Police, a significant number of individuals present during the CJP-led protest in the capital last week had criminal backgrounds, including murder, child abuse, kidnapping, and drug-related crimes. The authorities conducted a thorough verification exercise and analysed CCTV footage after witnessing the violence during the protest.

The police reported that 2,873 individuals were identified at the protest site, with a total of 1,638 people being recognized by facial recognition technology. 989 individuals were found to have criminal backgrounds among them. Among the names on the list are 101 murder cases, 284, related to robbery and dacoity, 92% booked for crimes against women or children (including some with rape), and several more connected to drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other serious offenses.

Following clashes during the "Chalo Sansburgh" protest organized by the CJP, where demonstrators were attempting to approach Parliament on foot, the verification exercise has been conducted. Police reported that protesters breached barricades, ignored warnings, and engaged in violent confrontations with security personnel, resulting in the use of force to restore order. According to officials, the police response was in line with normal operating procedures and was measured. The Delhi Police emphasized that the presence of individuals with criminal backgrounds at the protest does not necessarily indicate that they were responsible for the violence. Nonetheless, authorities have declared that the discoveries are crucial and involve the investigation into those accountable for vandalism and assaulting law enforcement officers during the protest.

Meanwhile, CJP has strongly criticised the police response and claimed that protesters were subjected to excessive force. The party has mandated that the cases brought against protesters be dropped and warned that it could re-ignite its protests in the event of inadequate action.' The movement has faced allegations from party leaders who allege that the authorities are trying to undermine it by making selective disclosures about attendees of their protests.

An ongoing investigation is underway by Delhi Police, who are examining digital evidence, CCTV footage, and other materials to determine the individuals or groups that were directly involved in the violence. Additional lawsuits could be brought as the probe continues, officials said.