Pro-Police Rally in Delhi Follows Controversy Over Alleged Pro-Maoist Slogans at Environmental Protest

A demonstration advocating for cleaner air took place at India Gate on Sunday.

New Delhi:

Numerous citizens gathered at India Gate on Tuesday to express support for the Delhi Police, following the emergence of videos allegedly capturing protesters chanting slogans in favor of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma during an air-pollution rally held days earlier.

The supporters displayed placards with messages such as "We support Delhi Police," "Stop shielding anti-nationals," "Nation against Hidma," and "Nation against Naxalism." They accused "anti-national elements" of infiltrating civic demonstrations to promote extremist ideologies.

Many participants vocally expressed solidarity with law enforcement and called for stringent action against those who allegedly praised the Maoist leader.

The original clean air protest occurred at India Gate on Sunday, with videos subsequently appearing online purportedly showing demonstrators voicing support for Maoist commander Madvi Hidma.

Scientists for Society (SFS), one organization that participated in the "Delhi Against Clean Air" protest, alleged that two organizations—Himkhand and BSCEM—began shouting slogans concerning the alleged extra-judicial killing of Hidma.

Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra claimed on Monday that what began as a demonstration against poor air quality had transformed into a platform glorifying Hidma.

Mishra shared a video on X, asserting that "Jihadis and Naxalites have a new mask - becoming social activists," which sparked significant online controversy.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police reported arresting at least 22 individuals for allegedly assaulting officers, obstructing police duties, blocking roads, and using pepper spray during Sunday's protest where the purported pro-Hidma slogans were chanted.

Hidma, aged 51, a senior CPI (Maoist) commander and one of India's most wanted insurgents, was killed alongside five others during an encounter in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitaramaraju district on November 18.