Delhi police hold four men over alleged assault in protest video
Delhi police took four men into custody over a video allegedly showing an assault on DDU Marg during the October 10 CJP protest.
Four men taken into custody
Delhi police took four men into custody after examining a widely shared video allegedly showing an assault during the October 10 Cockroach Janta Party protest. The Indian Express and The Times of India reported the development on Sunday, citing police officials and a police communication. Both located the reported incident on DDU Marg, within the area covered by Kamla Market police station. The custody action concerns the alleged assault captured in the circulating footage; it is separate from the wider detentions of protesters. Police identified all four men in their communication.
CJP protest: 4 right-wing men arrested over viral video showing students and women being assaultedCJP stir: 4 men held over viral video of assault on protesterPolice describe action without a complaint
The Times of India reported that police had not received a complaint from the alleged victim or another person or organisation at the time of the communication. Officers nevertheless said they received information that the men might leave the Delhi-NCR region and go into hiding. Police then traced them and took them into custody. The Indian Express separately reported that officers acted on their own initiative after receiving those inputs. These explanations are the police account of why they intervened.
CJP protest: 4 right-wing men arrested over viral video showing students and women being assaultedCJP stir: 4 men held over viral video of assault on protesterVideo remains part of an unfolding inquiry
According to The Indian Express, the footage initially spread through social media groups before officers established its location during checks on the ground. The Times of India said accounts associated with the Indian Youth Congress, the All India Students’ Association and the CJP helped circulate it. The reports describe alleged violence rather than a court finding of guilt. They establish that police have taken custody action, while the police communication cited by The Times of India left further action to be considered during the day.
CJP protest: 4 right-wing men arrested over viral video showing students and women being assaultedCJP stir: 4 men held over viral video of assault on protester