New Delhi | 12 October 2026

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has sought urgent intervention from President Droupadi Murmu and an independent investigation into what he alleges was a police assault during a media interaction in New Delhi amid protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In a letter dated 11 October, Brittas alleged that Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel dragged him, forcibly lifted him into a police vehicle, assaulted him inside it and left him by the roadside. He described the incident as a violation of constitutional freedoms and parliamentary dignity.

The allegations have not been independently established in full. Media reports on the incident said Brittas was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for medical examination after the episode.

MP alleges he was manhandled while speaking to journalists

According to his letter, Brittas reached the Connaught Place area at around 12.30 pm on 11 October after receiving information that young activists were being assaulted and detained. He said he was interacting with journalists when police and CRPF personnel allegedly dragged him for approximately 50 metres.

Brittas claimed that he and journalists present repeatedly identified him as a sitting Member of Parliament, but that police personnel nevertheless lifted him and carried him towards a vehicle. He further alleged that personnel assaulted and pinned him to a seat inside the vehicle before he was left by the roadside.

The MP said he continued to experience physical pain and discomfort following the incident. He also referred to a young man from Jharkhand who, according to his account, witnessed the episode and assisted him.

Brittas alleged that his release followed instructions communicated by a Deputy Commissioner of Police. He has called for the role of the officers involved, including supervisory personnel who may have been informed of the incident, to be examined.

Seeks preservation of evidence and accountability

In his letter to the President, Brittas requested a comprehensive report from the Union government and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, along with an independent and impartial investigation.

He called for the immediate preservation of complete video recordings, police vehicle identification and movement records, duty rosters, deployment orders, wireless communications, control-room logs and records relating to his detention and release.

He also sought the identification of the personnel involved and appropriate disciplinary or criminal proceedings against those found responsible in accordance with law. The letter asks that witnesses, journalists and bystanders who may have evidence be protected against retaliation.

Brittas said the investigation should examine not only the conduct of the personnel directly involved but also the role of supervisory officers, where evidence establishes possible complicity or dereliction of duty.

Incident occurred amid protests over Election Commission

The alleged incident took place against the backdrop of demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters and opposition groups have raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Brittas argued that demands concerning the Election Commission and electoral integrity are matters of democratic debate and that peaceful mobilisation should not be met with physical violence.

His letter also referred to the detention of opposition leaders during the protests on the preceding day and raised concerns about the treatment of detainees, including access to food and essential medication.

These statements form part of Brittas's account and allegations. The circumstances of individual detentions and the conduct of police personnel require assessment against available evidence and official responses.

Raises constitutional and parliamentary concerns

Brittas cited Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, concerning freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, and Article 21, which protects life and personal liberty. He argued that any restriction on movement or detention must have a lawful basis and that the use of force must be justified and proportionate.

He also raised the question of parliamentary privilege under Article 105, saying that the alleged physical treatment of a sitting MP while engaging with journalists warranted institutional scrutiny.

The letter does not claim that parliamentary membership places an elected representative above the law. Instead, Brittas argued that the alleged conduct should be investigated and that responsibility should be fixed if wrongdoing is established.

Calls for independent scrutiny

Brittas has asked the President to intervene to ensure an impartial investigation and accountability for those found responsible. He has also sought the preservation of evidence that could help establish the sequence of events and the roles of the personnel involved.

The allegations place renewed attention on the handling of protests in the national capital and the standards expected of law-enforcement agencies when dealing with demonstrators, journalists and elected representatives.

Dweep Tulika will update this report if an official response from Delhi Police or the relevant authorities becomes available.