India Gate Air Quality Demonstration Escalates: Chilli Spray Attack, 22 Held By Police

A demonstration against Delhi's deteriorating air quality at India Gate on Sunday evening took an unexpected violent turn, resulting in the arrest of more than 22 protesters and leaving four police personnel injured. The protest, which began as a call for stronger action on pollution, escalated sharply after a section of demonstrators allegedly used chilli spray on police officers attempting to clear a blocked road.

The gathering at the C-Hexagon started with protesters demanding long-term, systemic measures to tackle the capital's toxic air, accusing authorities of relying on what they described as "cosmetic" steps. However, the situation intensified when police urged the crowd to make way for ambulances. Officials said several protesters refused to move, sparking a scuffle during which chilli or pepper spray was reportedly used-an incident that Delhi Police said was unprecedented in such demonstrations. DCP Devesh Mahla called the use of chilli spray an "unusual" first.

Four police personnel suffered eye and facial injuries due to the spray and were admitted to RML Hospital. Following the clash, a total of over 22 protesters were arrested. An FIR was registered against them for obstructing government work, blocking a public road, assaulting police officials and violating protest regulations.

Police also alleged that before occupying the main carriageway, demonstrators broke through barricades after being moved off the India Gate lawns. The road blockade caused significant slowing of traffic in the surrounding area.

The protest saw participation from various student groups and members of the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air, who accused the government of failing to address the underlying causes of pollution. The demonstration also took a controversial turn when slogans and posters praising slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma appeared. One participant was seen holding a poster linking environmental struggles to Maoist resistance. Delhi Police said those who raised such slogans would be identified through video footage and appropriate legal action would follow.

Some students claimed they were manhandled and alleged that their phones were confiscated by police. These accusations were denied by the police, who maintained that they acted only after officers were allegedly attacked by demonstrators.

The protest unfolded amid a severe deterioration in Delhi's air quality. On Monday morning, the citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 396, categorised as "Very Poor." Several parts of the city, including Ghazipur, Bawana and Anand Vihar, recorded "Severe" pollution levels above 430 as toxic smog continued to blanket the capital.