Delhi: 22 Arrested After Alleged Pepper Spray Use on Police During Protest Over Air Pollution at India Gate; Two FIRs Registered

National Desk: The Delhi Police have arrested 22 people for allegedly blocking the road, obstructing official duties, and assaulting police personnel during a protest at India Gate over rising air pollution levels in the national capital. An officer provided this information on Monday.

According to officials, the situation escalated on Sunday when some protesters allegedly used pepper spray on police personnel while they were being removed from the protest site.

A senior police officer said the demonstrators had gathered near the C-Hexagon area and were informed that their protest was obstructing the movement of ambulances and medical staff.

He added, “The situation then turned into a scuffle, and some protesters used pepper spray on our personnel, which is unusual.”

The officer confirmed that 15 protesters had been arrested initially, and the number later rose to 22.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air issued a statement saying that the deteriorating air quality in the city has become a “serious threat” to public health, and alleged that authorities have failed to address the root causes of pollution.