MP Brittas seeks inquiry into alleged police assault during Delhi protests

Indian upper-house MP John Brittas wrote to the president, the chamber's chairman and the chief justice on October 11, seeking an investigation into alleged mistreatment during his detention in Delhi.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) politician alleged that police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel forced him into a bus and held him against a seat, making it difficult to breathe. He said this happened while he was speaking to journalists in Connaught Place. He was later taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Brittas requested an independent investigation under court supervision. He also sought the preservation of video recordings, police vehicle information and deployment records, along with protection for witnesses. His request does not establish that an inquiry has been ordered.

The detention came on the second day of demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the revision of voter rolls.

Police had detained Cockroach Janata Party leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das the previous day. According to police, they were released on October 11 after furnishing a surety bond of 50,000 rupees, with a requirement to maintain peace and good behaviour for one year.