Violence and Political Intrigue at India Gate as Gangrape Protest turns wild

India Gate was ground zero today, as the protesters were treated badly. Lathi charged and attacked. There could be many reasons. But one of the reason maybe that IAC, Arvind Kejriwal’s party and even BJP came over to support the efforts.  And in that the Government saw trouble.

Hooligans and some political elements on Sunday hijacked the peaceful protests in the Capital over the gang-rape of a young girl resulting in violence and attacks against public property and police which retaliated with teargas and water cannons that led to injuries to persons on both sides.

Police said one additional DCP, an ACP and a constable were seriously injured in the violence as protests at the Central Vista entered the third day prompting clamping of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in New Delhi district banning the assembly of four or more persons, The Vista is the 3-km broad avenue from India Gate that leads to Raisina hill where the PMO, Rastrapati Bhawan and Home Ministry among other offices are located. (link)

While I support the efforts of AAP and BJP to support the protesters.  After all, that is what the opposition SHOULD have done anyway.  But it is the influx of goons that has vitiated the atmosphere.  Now, these goons could have been from any where.  It is not entire inconceivable to imagine that that seeing BJP and AAP support the protesters, Congress would have sent its own goons – after all who better uses them – to spoil the party.  So, all those who are reacting to the goons @ Indian Gate are very naive.

Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia sat on a dharna near Hyderabad House on Ashoka Road, close to India Gate. The youth outfit of BJP also took part in the protests.

Pictures from India Gate

Here is a picture of the Indian Gate last night.

Image courtesy Shiv Aroor