Two students from Kerala studying at Delhi University’s Zakir Husain College were allegedly assaulted by a mob and Delhi police over false accusations on September 24. Aswanth I.T. and Sudhin K., both first-year students, were near the Red Fort when they declined to purchase headphones from vendors.
After their refusal, a group of individuals accused them of stealing a mobile phone from a shop in Chor Bazaar, allegedly presenting a doctored screenshot as evidence. When the students sought assistance from police personnel, identified as Constable Ravi Ranga, they reported receiving no help and claimed the police colluded with the mob.
The students were subjected to severe physical violence, including slapping, dragging, beatings with sticks, and being forced to sit in a humiliating position. “No one came to help us, neither the police nor the public,” Ashwant remarked, adding that he was assaulted for identifying as a student and for not speaking Hindi.
The students asserted that even after providing payment history and identification, police refused to assist and handed over their mobile phone to the person who falsely accused them. Seeking refuge at a nearby Lalquila police booth, they were allegedly assaulted again by ASI Sathyaprakash, with locals permitted to join in.
This incident reportedly unfolded without any formal complaint against the students and lasted for two hours, leading to bruises and severe back pain, prompting them to seek medical treatment at LNJP Hospital. Fortunately, they managed to contact SFI State President Sooraj, who intervened and drew attention to the matter. Their belongings, including mobile phones and footwear, were reportedly stolen during the attack.
Ashwant emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Such incidents should never happen to another migrant student,” and indicated plans for legal action. Complaints have been filed with the Deputy Commissioner of Police and there are intentions to approach the Human Rights Commission concerning the involved police officers.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas characterized the incident as emblematic of “bias, brutality, and impunity.” In a complaint to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Gokhale, Brittas called for an immediate and impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable and to recover the students’ belongings.
The Kerala students’ fraternity at Delhi University, Maithry, expressed solidarity with the victims, condemning the incident as a “deliberate, casteist, xenophobic, and authoritarian display” of police misconduct. They criticized the police for forcing the students to speak Hindi and permitting the attack while they were in custody.
The post concludes with a note on the incident’s impact, highlighting ongoing concerns about police brutality against students and marginalized individuals in the capital.
Tags: Delhi Police, Kerala students, false accusations, accountability, bias
Hashtags: #Delhi #Police #allegedly #thrash #Kerala #students #false #accusations #bias #seeks #accountability
