SP MP Pushpendra Saroj Condemns Police Action During ‘Sansad Chalo March’, Seeks Time-Bound Probe

New Delhi: Kaushambi Member of Parliament Pushpendra Saroj from Samajwadi Party has strongly condemned the police action against students and citizens during the ‘Sansad Chalo March’ held on July 20, describing the incidents as a serious attack on democratic values and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, MP expressed solidarity with the ongoing movement and alleged that protesters were met with force instead of dialogue. He claimed that police resorted to lathi-charge, tear gas and pellet guns while attempting to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament.

Raising concerns over the conduct of security personnel, Pushpendra Saroj questioned the conduct of security personnel, alleging that some police officials operated without identification or in civilian clothes, contrary to the Supreme Court’s D.K. Basu guidelines on police accountability. He also criticised the suspension of mobile internet services and the closure of several Delhi Metro stations during the protest, claiming the measures disrupted communication, restricted public movement, created panic among commuters and hampered citizens’ ability to coordinate for their safety.

Expressing concern over reports of police detentions, he said around 70 protesters were booked on charges including rioting, assault on public servants and damage to public property. He further alleged that women protesters were subjected to excessive force by male police personnel and claimed that Gitanjali Angmo, wife of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, was among those who faced aggressive treatment. Demanding accountability, MP Pushpendra Saroj demanded an independent and time-bound probe into the alleged police excesses, seeking strict action against those responsible. He also criticised the detention of Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and other Opposition MPs, asserting that peaceful protest and the right to dissent are fundamental to democracy and should be protected through dialogue rather than suppression.