New Delhi: “I’m here for college admission,” Faizi (20) protested, holding up a folder stuffed with marksheets and other papers to prove he was a Jamia Millia Islamia student, as three Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel closed in on him. One seized his wrist, another reached for his shirt’s collar, while the third blocked his path from the front.
It was around 3.30pm at Connaught Place.
Stationed at the entry of Rajiv Chowk metro station, cops were seen barking at people, “ Andar jao na agar metro use karna hai, bahar kya kar rahe ho ?” Bystanders and protesters stood along the boundary of Palika Bazaar as police personnel arrived in batches and formed a human chain. As the protesters began dispersing after some time, RAF personnel fell into step alongside them. The action followed a protest call by AISA activist Neha Bora. Within minutes of the demonstration beginning, hundreds of police personnel moved towards the protesters, pinning some to the ground before escorting them to waiting buses. Those who managed to break free were pursued towards Baba Khadak Singh Marg intersection, with baton-wielding personnel weaving their way through the Sunday throng. Near Jeevan Bharti building, which houses LIC offices, more security personnel assembled around Palika Bazaar, whose circumference had been cordoned off with police tape. Several protesters alleged that police were not checking media credentials and were detaining people suspected of participating in the demonstration, including those who pleaded with them that they were merely bystanders.