Plainclothes cops at CJP march were for crowd control: Delhi Police to top court

Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that plainclothes officers were deployed during the July 20 march to Parliament as part of a crowd-control measure. The police denied allegations of excessive use of force, stating that officers only used force after protestors began resorting to violence. The deployment of plainclothes officers, known as "spotters," is a common practice by police departments worldwide to monitor anti-social elements and provide immediate assistance when needed.

The police also denied allegations of using lathis with nails, stating that the video in question showed the lathi being held by a protester. The violence escalated when a section of protestors turned aggressive and attempted to breach police barricades, attacking police and security forces stationed at the site. Protesters were seen attacking police officers, pulling off their protective gear, and causing damage to public property.

Over 30,000 protesters gathered in a 3 km radius, with only 5,000 police officers on duty to maintain order. Despite the injuries sustained by protestors, the police maintained that no excess force was used.