Delhi Police constables, including women personnel, on 8 October 2026 recounted being kicked, punched and dragged to the ground while attempting to manage crowds during the Congress-led INDIA bloc protest in New Delhi the previous day. The personnel alleged the attacks were deliberate and targeted, occurring as they enforced Section 163 restrictions at the demonstration against the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

What the Constables Said

Constable Deependra Sandhu said he was assaulted from behind while informing protesters that Section 163 was in force in the area and that the demonstration was prohibited there. “They deliberately targeted us… Suddenly, they went behind us and pulled us from behind. They then pushed us to the ground and started kicking and punching us. We somehow managed to protect ourselves and get away,” he recounted. He added that the man who attacked him — reportedly wearing white clothes — fled the protest site immediately after the assault.

Head Constable Bhupendra Ahlawat described the incident as a planned attack in which the assailant was allegedly provided cover and an escape route by party workers. “I am the one who was kicked. They intentionally and deliberately pulled me from behind by my waist and made me fall. When I turned around to see who it was… as soon as I made eye contact with him, the Congress workers hid him. They took him to the green area in the middle of the roundabout and deliberately made him leave,” he said.

Woman Constable Speaks Out

Woman Constable Seema said she realised she had been injured only after the fact, having been focused on executing her duties during the high-pressure situation. “It is our duty to follow the instructions given by our officers. At that time, we do not pay attention to whether we are getting injured,” she said. She said the assault occurred near Akashvani Bhavan when police personnel were detaining legislators, some of whom were reportedly sitting alongside Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.

FIRs Registered, Allegations Fly

According to reports, the Delhi Police have registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) over alleged misbehaviour, manhandling and assault of its personnel by Opposition workers during the protest. The police maintain that constables were acting in accordance with security protocols while attempting to maintain order under difficult circumstances.

The protest itself was triggered by the INDIA bloc’s opposition to the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which the Congress and its allies have characterised as an exercise that could disenfranchise voters. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the SIR as a routine administrative process.

Context and What Comes Next

Clashes between police and Opposition protesters in the capital have become a recurring flashpoint in recent years, particularly ahead of elections. This is not the first time Delhi Police personnel have alleged assault by political crowds, nor the first time Opposition parties have countered with claims of excessive force. The registration of FIRs is likely to prolong the political dispute well beyond the protest itself. Legal proceedings and any formal response from the Congress or INDIA bloc leaders are expected to follow.