Vested interests have hijacked protest: Delhi police

As it repeatedly resorted to lobbing teargas shells and use of force against protesters at India Gate, the Delhi Police on Sunday claimed that some "vested interests" had joined the protesters and were instigating violence. They have hijacked the protest, they said.

In its report sent to the home ministry, sources said, the police claimed that it had to resort to baton charge and lobbing teargas shells due to violence.

Sources said the Delhi police informed the ministry that "some vested interests" had joined the protesters and were fomenting trouble.

"Police had to take action like lathicharge and lobbing teargas because of violence. Otherwise it is taking extra precaution to maintain peace," sources quoted the Delhi police as saying.

Earlier in the day, police asked youths protesting against the gang-rape of a young girl to stage demonstrations either at Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Maidan.

"Protestors may go to Ramlila Maidan or Jantar Mantar. Traffic has been diverted from Vijay Chowk and Rajpath," a Delhi police statement said.

It said prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have been issued in New Delhi area except at Jantar Mantar.

However, the police had to resort to repeated baton charge and lobbing of teargas shells as the protest at India Gate turned violent.