Parliamentary panel sees heated row over alleged Delhi police excesses

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs experienced a heated confrontation on Tuesday when opposition members attempted to divert the scheduled agenda to discuss alleged police excesses during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Opposition leaders, including Ajay Maken and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, raised concerns regarding the use of pellet guns, lathicharge, and barricades during the youth-led demonstrations. Allegations were also made concerning the presence of unidentified personnel in civilian clothing and the potential use of electric shocks. Members argued that the involvement of minors in the injuries sustained necessitated an immediate discussion.

Committee chairman Radha Mohan Das Agrawal declined to address the matter, citing that the issue is currently being examined by a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered expert committee led by retired Justice R Subhash Reddy. The chairman noted the matter's sub judice status. The disagreement escalated into a broader political exchange between BJP and Congress members regarding historical police actions and investigations.