IYC demands independent probe into alleged police action during protests against CEC

The Indian Youth Congress sought an independent, time-bound inquiry into police action during the recent protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, alleging misconduct and unlawful detention of demonstrators since September 23.

In a memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi district) on Tuesday, IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib sought details of arrests, FIRs and action taken against police personnel accused of misconduct.

“The right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed; those responsible for excessive force, unlawful detention and violence must be held accountable,” Chib said in a statement.

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The IYC alleged that protesters, including women and senior citizens, had faced lathi-charges, water cannons and tear gas during demonstrations. It also raised concerns over the detention of Congress workers without being given any reasons.

The protests began on September 23 amid opposition demands for Kumar’s resignation over questions raised about the functioning of the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls. Several political and students groups have since held demonstrations, with protestors detained during attempts to march towards the poll panel’s headquarters.

According to a statement by the Congress’ youth wing, the organisation sought details of instructions received from the Union Home Ministry concerning protests and internet shutdowns, besides information on departmental inquiries, suspensions and criminal proceedings, wherever applicable, against police personnel facing complaints.

It also demanded that CCTV footage from protest sites, police wireless communication logs, body-camera footage and duty rosters of personnel deployed on the relevant dates be preserved for the inquiry.

The memorandum sought a response within seven days, with the IYC warning that it could approach the courts if the information was not provided.

Separately, several IYC workers were seen outside the party’s office on Raisina Road removing barricades placed along its periphery. The workers shifted the barricades one by one and raised slogans as several police personnel gathered in the area to maintain law and order.

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Barricades had been stationed around the office for several months, according to the IYC, which said the restrictions affected the movement of party workers and their ability to protest peacefully.

The organisation cited Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of speech and expression and the right to assemble peacefully, and called for accountability in cases of alleged police excesses.