NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Sunday alleged that Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel assaulted him while detaining him in Connaught Place. He sought an independent and court-supervised investigation into the incident.
“What the Delhi Police is doing is wrong. Students are being thrashed…. He further alleged that police personnel carried him to a police vehicle and assaulted him inside. He also alleged that the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) was aware of the assault and that his release followed instructions by the DCP over a call. He sought a judicial examination of whether the directions and constitutional safeguards had been followed. In his letter, Brittas requested an independent probe by a special investigation team comprising officers unconnected with the Delhi Police and CRPF personnel involved, or by another agency deemed appropriate by the court.
This 163 BNSS should be lifted. He alleged that police personnel dragged him for about 50 metres despite him repeatedly identifying himself as a sitting Rajya Sabha member.
The Supreme Court has said that… It’s the capital of the country” he said before security personnel detained him. In a letter to Chief Justice of India, Brittas said he had reached Connaught Place area after learning that youth activists were being assaulted and detained. He was pinned to a seat and the assault continued even after he identified himself as an MP, according to his letter. He was later left on the roadside, where he continued to experience pain and discomfort, he said. Brittas said a young man from Jharkhand had witnessed the incident and helped him. The MP said the incident took place within hours of the Supreme Court issuing directions on handling of protests, including safeguards for peaceful and unarmed persons.
Brittas urged the court to ensure that the identity and statement of the Jharkhand witness were recorded promptly and that journalists, bystanders and other witnesses were protected from intimidation or retaliation.
He also sought an investigation into the role of supervisory officers and a time-bound status report before the court.
