Metal Batons Distributed To Cops To Fight Farmers; Decision Rolled Back After Criticism Online
Delhi Police personnel of Shahdara district were given iron batons and arm protector to keep themselves safe from attacks by sharp-edged weapons in case of violence in farmers' protest.?
Shahdara district police had distributed 60 lance-like metal batons to police personnel in their district, but the senior officials from Delhi Police Headquarters, a day later on Tuesday asked them to rollback the decision to use them as anti-riot equipment and wait for their approval.
Decision faces flak
This happened after the move drew ire on the internet with many calling it "anti-democracy" and "anti-farmers".
60 sword-like metal batons distributed? ?
A senior police officer said 60 sword-like metal batons were distributed in Shahadara district on Monday to protect themselves from rioters armed with swords.?
¡°The decision to use the metal baton was taken after many security personnel were injured by protesters armed with swords during their recent clashes with the police,¡± an officer said.?
The initiative was taken by station house officers (SHOs) of all 11 police stations falling under the jurisdiction of Shahdara district. Each police station distributed around 12 iron batons to its personnel.??
However, the decision was rolled back after some pictures of the police personnel of the Shahdara district holding the metal baton drew sharp criticism on social media.?
Following which, senior officials at Delhi Police Headquarters asked officials to withdraw the decision to distribute the batons immediately. ¡°The decision to use these batons was taken by the Shahdara district police and now they have been asked by the PHQ to explain the reason for procuring them. They have also been asked to take approval before distributing them,¡± an officer said.
Decision post R-day clashes
The move comes following clashes between protesters and police personnel during the Republic Day tractor rally organised by farmers protesting against the Centre¡¯s new farm laws.?
A team of forensic experts on Saturday visited the Red Fort to collect samples. Delhi witnessed violence during the January 26 tractor rally organised by protesting farmer unions to highlight their demand for repeal of the Centre's three farm laws.?The Delhi Police has so far registered over 100 cases, arrested 84 people, and detained over 200 in connection with the violence during the tractor parade.
