#LawyersVsDelhiPolice: Cops protest outside HQ, demand justice, raise slogans
Scores of personnel of Delhi police took to streets on Tuesday to protest against a scuffle that broke between cops and lawyers at Tis Hazari court last week. Saturday's incident was followed by another shocking attack on a uniform-clad cop by a group of lawyers at Saket court on Monday. These incidents prompted police to demand justice and seek punishment against the erring lawyers.
First, a quick recap of what happened
A few days ago, an altercation over parking space snowballed into a huge controversy at Tis Hazari court. While lawyers claimed cops fired at them, the latter group said they used firearms to ensure "safety of undertrials". In the violence that ensued, at least eight lawyers and 20 police officers were injured. A police van was set ablaze and several other vehicles were vandalized.
Later, HC suspended two cops, but bitterness continued
Taking suo motu cognizance of the incident, Delhi High Court held an urgent hearing the same day which ended with the suspension of two senior cops and an order to conduct an inquiry. However, the tensions took another turn yesterday when a video showed a cop being manhandled by a group of lawyers outside the Saket District court. The video became viral instantly.
This clip should shame the entire civil society
Wearing bands and carrying placards, officers protested at ITO
Distressed with the twin attacks, Delhi police personnel, some dressed in uniform and some wearing civilian clothes, gathered outside the ITO office to lodge a protest. Most of them were seen wearing a black band. Some of the cops carried placards that read "We are human in police uniforms" and "Protectors Need Protection". One officer said they just wanted to meet the commissioner.
In bid to convince them, Patnaik told cops about responsibilities
Soon, Delhi police boss Amulya Patnaik addressed the gathering and urged them to maintain peace. "In the last few days, there have been certain incidents in the capital which we handled very well," he said. Admitting that the recent days have been tumultuous for the force, Patnaik said, "We need to fulfill the responsibility of maintaining and assuring law and order."
We are a professional and disciplined force: Patnaik
While Patnaik spoke, protesters raised their voices
However, Patnaik's pleas were drowned by the high-decibel voices of cops. Some of the protesters reportedly said that no action was taken against lawyers but cops were handed over a suspension letter. Separately, another female officer said, "We have no union or anything to help us, I'm here to support my brother-colleagues who need me to speak up for the injustice committed against them"
Rijiju supported cops, but surprisingly deleted the tweet later
On the unprecedented turn of events, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted that being a cop is a thankless job. "They are damned if they do and damned even if they don't. What gets lost in all the anti-police rhetoric is the family left at home while a policeman serves," he wrote. But he deleted the tweet later. Meanwhile, IPS association condemned the incidents.
