Families of Delhi Police Personnel Speak Out After Violence During Jantar Mantar Protest

The violent clashes that broke out during the recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar have left more than just injured police personnel. Behind every officer who returned home wounded was a family forced to witness the painful consequences of public duty. Relatives of several Delhi Police officials have now shared emotional accounts of what their loved ones endured while trying to maintain law and order.

Many family members stressed that police officers are often unfairly labelled without understanding the risks they face. They said every uniform represents not only an officer but also parents, spouses, children and families who anxiously wait for them to return home safely after every shift.

Kunjal, a student from Delhi University, spoke about his father, a Delhi Police sub inspector who had earlier served as a Marine Commando in the Indian Navy. According to him, his father had been deployed at the protest site near the barricades where large crowds had gathered. After returning home from duty on previous days, he had expressed concern that the gathering no longer appeared to be only a student protest and believed anti social elements had become part of the crowd.

The following day, Kunjal said, his father was allegedly dragged away by a group near the protest stage and assaulted. He remained unconscious in hospital for nearly four hours. When fellow officers brought him home later that night, his uniform was soaked in blood, leaving the family deeply shaken.

Kunjal recalled asking his father how such a serious incident had happened. Despite suffering visible injuries, his father reportedly tried to reassure the family by saying that minor injuries were common while on duty. However, doctors had stitched four wounds on his head, making it clear that the attack was far more severe than he admitted.

He also expressed disappointment after learning that some of those accused of attacking police personnel were reportedly approaching the Supreme Court with complaints against the officers. Kunjal said the development made him feel that he too should seek justice for his injured father. He added that several other police families had extended support during the difficult period.

Another family member, Seema, shared the experience of her husband, an assistant sub inspector who was also deployed at Jantar Mantar. She said he had left home early with his lunch as usual and informed her over the phone that the crowd had become very large and that protesters were moving towards Parliament.

Concerned for his safety, Seema urged him to remain careful. Later that evening, when she tried calling again, she was informed that he had been admitted to hospital after being injured during the violence. She alleged that troublemakers mixed with the protesters had thrown stones, shoes and other objects at police personnel. She pointed out that videos of the incident had widely circulated on social media.

Lakshya Singh Bisht also described the injuries suffered by his father, an assistant commissioner of police who has received four gallantry awards during his career. He said he was shocked after seeing photographs showing serious head injuries that required four stitches. According to him, his father later remarked that the protest was no longer limited to students and that violent individuals had joined the gathering.

The protest was organised at Jantar Mantar over allegations related to the NEET question paper leak. What began as a demonstration later turned violent, leading to clashes between protesters and security personnel. The agitation continued for nearly a month, after which the Central Government accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and assured that the concerns raised by students would be addressed.

The emotional testimonies from police families have brought attention to the personal cost of maintaining public order during large scale demonstrations. While investigations into the violence continue, relatives of the injured officers say they hope those responsible for the attacks are held accountable and that the sacrifices made by police personnel are not overlooked.