2 cops robbed of riot gear, including teargas shells

Two Delhi Police personnel were allegedly stripped of their sanctioned riot gear - including dozens of teargas shells during the Sunday melee at India Gate. Jatin Anand reports.

Two Delhi Police personnel were allegedly stripped of their sanctioned riot gear - including dozens of teargas shells during the Sunday melee at India Gate.

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The embattled force, however, is yet to register a criminal case in the matter as it is currently struggling to save face after the recent 'confusion' over the precise cause of death of constable Subhash Chandra Tomar.

"Sub-inspector Chandan Kumar, who is officially posted at the Jamia Nagar Police Station, was among the victims. So was Constable Yogesh who is currently posted at Krishna Nagar police station," said an officer.

Together, they were robbed of two boxes of teargas shells, a pistol and ammunition by some members of the agitated mob. "We are looking into the matter," the officer said.

According to police, both personnel were part of nearly 5,000 policemen posted at the India Gate which was demanding justice for the 23-year-old gangrape victim. The protest had turned violent on Sunday.

Police claimed that they were left with no alternative but resort to a cane-charge after the protest was taken over by 'lumpen' and anti-social elements.

According to the Delhi Police control room, of the 42 calls of molestation of women generated from across the Capital on Sunday, more than 80% were made from India Gate. It was also the day when the Delhi Police received the highest number of calls of molestation in a single given day so far this year,

"Between midnight on Saturday and Sunday, 42 calls of molestation were received. As many as 35 of them were made by victims around India Gate monument," said an officer.