The Government Must Keep Vigilantes Out Of Policing
When students gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest question-paper leaks and the postponement of NEET, the police had every right to be there. Maintaining law and order is their duty, even when the protest itself is peaceful. What was disturbing, however, was the presence of men in mufti, armed with lathis, who appeared to attack protesters at the slightest provocation. Their identity has not been…
When students protested over question-paper leaks and postponement of NEET at Jantar Mantar, police presence was justified. However, the situation took a troubling turn as armed men in civilian clothes attacked protesters. Their identities remained undisclosed and they seemed to operate as part of the police force. Furthermore, agent provocateurs incited the students, transforming the peaceful protest into a violent confrontation.
Social media influencers also played a role in portraying the protesters as trouble-makers. Swatantra Bharadwaj, one of the alleged perpetrators, boasted about assaulting the father of a minor protester, suggesting that he would have faced a murder charge but political connections saved him. Bharadwaj named two ministers as benefactors, though one denied any connection and filed a complaint against Bharadwaj for using his name.
The police finally arrested Bharadwaj after student protests against his actions. The case deepened with a separate FIR filed under the POCSO Act for alleged online harassment against the minor protester. The police's delayed response raised concerns about indulgence. This incident underscores the importance of the government not outsourcing law and order to vigilantes.
Only the police have the legal authority to control agitations, dealing firmly with law-breakers while protecting those who do not break the law. Allowing unofficial actors to mix with the police creates ambiguity and can turn peaceful protests into violent confrontations, justifying state suppression. The allegations against Bharadwaj must be investigated impartially, regardless of any political connections, ensuring justice is served without favoritism.
The government must not allow fifth columnists to undermine democratic protests, as it does the state no credit.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
