Protest in Bengaluru condemns harassment of women protesters in Delhi

Hundreds gathered at Freedom Park on Tuesday to stage a protest against the “harassment of women protesters” during the protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi.

The protest was organised in Freedom Park by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the All India Students Association (AISA) and other organisations. The protesters also alleged that “right-wing goons” were seen harassing women protesters and even issuing death threats.

Referring to a video of a policeman grabbing a woman protester, Shairik Sengupta, vice-president of AISA, Bengaluru, said, “We have seen the Delhi Police run towards women to harass them. What kind of protection is the groping of women?”

Navya, a protester at Freedom Park, said, “It is shameful that the police and right-wing goons pulled women, groped and harassed them while they were heading to protest against the SIR in Delhi. We are worshipping the goddess and celebrating Dasara, but the reality is something else.”

Mr. Sengupta welcomed the State government’s inquiry into “police high-handedness” against the anti-SIR protesters on Monday, and said, “The Congress cannot have the right to protest in Delhi while suppressing the rights of protesters here in Bengaluru. While the government has ordered an inquiry in this matter, we hope that it is not just a statement but converts into an action.”