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Pellet Guns, Sticks and Tear Gas: How India’s Police Halted a Youth March
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands of unarmed students marched toward the Indian Parliament last month to protest the education system but were met with a heavy police crackdown involving riot officers, tear gas, pellet guns, and beatings.
- Videos and witness accounts verified by The New York Times show security forces used excessive force beyond United Nations and Indian home ministry guidelines for peaceful demonstrations.
- At least 150 protesters were hospitalized with many injuries, sparking public outrage and condemnation from opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who called the police actions a stain on democracy.
- Delhi Police stated the march was unauthorized and prohibited, claiming force was a last resort, with 118 officers injured and 70 arrests made, but did not respond to detailed inquiries about the video evidence.
