Cops learn their lesson, ensure Delhi University protest remains peaceful

The Delhi Police seemed to have learned its lessons after the mis-management that led to the recent violence on the Ramjas College campus. In no mood to take any risks, the cops made sure that Tuesday's protest was carried out peacefully.

Thousands of Delhi University (DU) students had gathered to protest against the violence that broke out on the campus last Wednesday.

A minor clash between some students, however, did break out by the end of the protest but was quickly controlled after two students, Prashant Mishra and Vinayak Sharma were arrested. An FIR was also registered. Police officers, both men and women, formed a human chain around the protesters to prevent any untoward incident.

Apart from the north district police, additional force from other districts was also deployed at the site. Senior officers, including Joint Commissioner of Police Virender Chahal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of police, were among the several officers maintaining a strict vigil at the spot.

To keep a record of the incidents taking place at the spot, police officers were also seen capturing the protest on video. Tight security arrangements were made to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, a minor clash broke out between a few students, but the situation was brought immediately under control. A brief disruption by the ABVP students faded away as the cops marched them out peacefully.

On being queried about the FIR that was registered in the Wednesday incident, Special Commissioner of Police Dependra Pathak said the probe is still on and the charges will be decided after the investigation is over.

Last Wednesday, the Delhi Police had allegedly thrashed students, teachers, and journalists after violent clashes broke out in the college premises between two student factions. Members of the Left-backed All India Students Association (AISA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had clashed when the college cancelled an invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid Shora.