Left Parties Decry Delhi Police Tactics as ‘War Zone’

During a press conference, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby described police vans as makeshift torture chambers, claiming that women were subjected to prolonged confinement and physical assault. He cited several recent incidents where activists were detained for hours without access to legal counsel, alleging that the police had adopted a heavy‑handed approach to quell dissent ahead of upcoming elections. The opposition demanded an independent inquiry, urging the judiciary to intervene and safeguard democratic norms.

Delhi’s police commissioner responded by denying the accusations, stating that all arrests were conducted in accordance with the law and that any misconduct would be investigated internally. He highlighted recent reforms aimed at improving transparency, such as body‑camera deployment and the establishment of a citizen grievance portal. Nevertheless, human‑rights organisations have called for a parliamentary committee to examine the use of mobile jails, arguing that the practice undermines due‑process guarantees.

The controversy arrives amid a broader national conversation about policing reforms, especially after high‑profile incidents in other states. If the claims gain traction, the Supreme Court may be petitioned to review the legality of mobile‑jail operations, potentially reshaping law‑enforcement procedures across India. The outcome could also influence public perception of the ruling party’s stance on civil freedoms ahead of the next electoral cycle.