Delhi Police accuse Farmer Leaders for violence; say police used humility
Gitanjali Mangal
January 27th 2021 10:42 PM
Tractor March Delhi: Violence erupted at the Red Fort and a major clash occurred between Delhi Police and Farmers.
The protesting farmers on Tuesday hoisted a flag at the Red Fort in Delhi after the tractor march on Republic Day 2021.
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Delhi Police led by Commissioner of Police S.N. Srivastava held a press conference on Wednesday and addressed the media about the violence occurred yesterday at Red Fort.
The commissioner said that keeping in mind the interests of the security of the people of Delhi, it was decided that some terms & conditions be imposed but the farmers changed their route.
"Keeping in mind the interests of the security of the people of Delhi, it was decided that some terms & conditions be imposed, it was given to them in writing - the rally was to last from 12pm -5pm, it was to be led by farmer leaders & leaders must accompany their groups," he said.
Adding, "Action will be taken against whoever was involved in this (violence on Jan 26). Cases have been registered. During the investigation, many names will come up & strict action will be taken against them."
He said that only 5000 tractors were allowed in the rally. And the Delhi Police also put allegations on the farmers' leaders that they brought forward the aggressive & militant elements who occupied the stage & delivered provocative speeches.
"It was also given to them in writing that there should be no more than 5000 tractors (in the rally) and there should be no weapon with them." Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava said.
Adding, "By late evening of Jan 25, it came to fore that they (farmers) were not keeping their words. They brought forward the aggressive & militant elements who occupied the stage & delivered provocative speeches which made their intentions clear."
Talking about the injured in the violence, he stated, "394 police personnel sustained injuries in the violence (during the tractor rally on Jan 26) and several of them are still admitted to hospitals. Some of them are admitted to ICU wards."
He also said, "More than 25 criminal cases have been registered by Delhi Police. We are using the facial recognition system and taking the help of CCTV and video footage to identify the accused. No culprit will be spared. 19 accused have been arrested and 50 people have been detained. They are being questioned"
Delhi Police has accused the farmer leaders of being involved in the violence. He said,
"As per the agreement, we wanted the rally to conclude peacefully. The violence occurred because terms & conditions were not followed."
"We have the video footage of those who indulged in the violence & we are analyzing them. They are being identified with the help of the face recognition system. They will be arrested and legal action will be taken against them," Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava concluded.
Farmers have been protesting at Delhi borders. Despite 11 rounds of meeting between the protesting farmers and the Centre, no conclusion has come out so far. No date has been fixed for the next meeting.
The farmers have been protesting against the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
-PTC News