Delhi Police Intensify Probe into India Gate Protest After Shocking Chili Spray and Naxal Slogan

Picture this: a solemn gathering, just a stone's throw from the iconic India Gate, people standing united to demand justice. This wasn't just any protest; it was a powerful cry from the Manipuri community, specifically women from the "Meira Paibi" or "women torchbearers" movement, who had travelled to the capital. Their urgent plea? Justice for a Kuki-Zo woman from Manipur, who had allegedly endured a horrific sexual assault, a deeply disturbing incident that has, quite rightly, shaken the nation to its core.

But then, things took a sharp, unexpected turn. Amidst the demonstration, a woman identified as Mayanglambam Rani suddenly deployed chili powder, spraying it directly at police officers attempting to manage the crowd. It was a chaotic moment, a sudden burst of aggression that instantly escalated the situation. And if that wasn't enough to grab headlines, what followed really complicated matters.

Shortly after the chili spray incident, Mayanglambam Rani was reportedly heard shouting "Naxal Zindabad," a slogan that translates to "Long Live Naxals." Now, for anyone familiar with India's internal security challenges, that phrase immediately raises red flags. It transforms a protest, even a passionate one, into something far more politically charged and, frankly, deeply concerning. One can't help but wonder about the intent behind such a declaration, especially at a demonstration rooted in a call for human rights and justice.

Naturally, the Delhi Police wasted no time. They've launched a thorough investigation, digging deep into every facet of the incident. This isn't just about the chili spray – though that's serious enough, harming officers in the line of duty. It's the "Naxal Zindabad" slogan that really has them scrutinizing the situation. They want to understand if this was an isolated outburst, or if there's a deeper, more organized agenda at play. A case has been formally registered at the Tilak Marg police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 186 (obstructing public servant), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Those are serious charges, indeed.

It's also worth remembering the broader context here. The Delhi Police had previously, and quite clearly, stated that no permission would be granted for protests near India Gate, citing security concerns. This policy is particularly stringent right now, with the upcoming G20 Summit looming large, making security paramount in the capital. So, an unsanctioned protest, coupled with these aggressive and politically loaded actions, naturally puts the authorities on high alert.

Ultimately, this isn't just about a single incident at a protest; it's about the layers of complexity that can quickly unfold. The police are now tasked with unraveling whether the controversial slogan and the act of spraying chili powder were spontaneous acts of frustration or if they point to a more coordinated effort, potentially even by external elements trying to co-opt a genuine demand for justice. The investigation is ongoing, and the nation waits to understand the full truth behind this unsettling turn of events at India Gate.