Delhi Air Pollution Protest: Pro-Maoist Slogans Spark Chaos; 15 Arrested for Chilli Spray Attack on Police
A protest against Delhi’s hazardous air pollution took a violent turn when demonstrators displayed posters supporting Maoist leader Madvi Hidma and allegedly attacked police with chilli spray. Fifteen people were arrested after clashes near Jantar Mantar, raising concerns over extremist infiltration in environmental movements.
How the Protest Turned Violent
What began as a peaceful rally by environmental activists demanding urgent government action against toxic air quickly escalated. Witnesses reported a group unfurling banners praising Madvi Hidma, a top Maoist insurgent, leading to a confrontation with police.
When officers moved to confiscate the posters, protesters allegedly deployed chilli spray, leaving several policemen with severe irritation. Authorities detained 15 individuals, including students, on charges of unlawful assembly and assault.
Police Probe Maoist Links, Activists Deny Involvement
The Home Ministry has flagged possible Maoist influence in activist circles, while Delhi Police are investigating how pro-Hidma propaganda appeared at an environmental protest.
“We won’t tolerate extremist rhetoric hijacking public demonstrations,” a senior officer stated.
Protest organizers, however, denied any Maoist ties. “This was about clean air—a few outliers exploited the protest,” said Priya Menon of the Delhi Clean Air Collective. Civil rights groups allege police are exaggerating the Maoist angle to justify repression.
Who is Madvi Hidma?
Madvi Hidma, a wanted Maoist commander in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, is accused of multiple attacks on security forces. His presence in Delhi protest slogans suggests an attempt to merge environmental activism with extremist ideology—a worrying trend for authorities.
Broader Implications for Environmental Protests
The incident underscores growing public anger over Delhi’s pollution crisis but risks discrediting legitimate activism if linked to extremism. Experts warn such associations could lead to harsher crackdowns on protests.
Meanwhile, legal advocates argue detained protesters may have acted in self-defense. With air quality set to worsen, tensions between activists and authorities could escalate further.
(Word count: 350, optimized for readability and SEO.)
