Delhi Protest Over Toxic Air Turns Violent After Posters Hailing Maoist Leader Surface (Image: X/MeghUpdates)
A peaceful protest against Delhi’s worsening air pollution spiralled into violence on Sunday evening, after posters and slogans praising slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma appeared in the crowd at India Gate. The sudden display of Maoist messaging shocked bystanders and immediately triggered a strong response from the Delhi Police.
Hundreds of citizens had gathered at the iconic landmark to demand urgent action on the capital’s hazardous air quality. However, just minutes before the protest descended into chaos.
A man was seen holding a poster that read: “From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on.” Soon after, a group began shouting “Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe” (Long live Madvi Hidma), sparking tension at the site.
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Police officials said that those involved in raising Maoist slogans will face strict action. “We will identify the individuals and file a case against them,” an officer at the scene stated.
Who Was Madvi Hidma?
Hidma, one of the most feared Maoist leaders, was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh on November 18. Born in Sukma in 1981, he rose through the ranks to lead a battalion of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army and became the youngest member of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee, its highest decision-making body.
He was also the only representative from Bastar on the panel. Accused in at least 26 armed attacks, Hidma carried a bounty of ₹50 lakh and was linked to several major strikes, including the 2010 Dantewada massacre that killed 76 CRPF personnel, the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush that left 27 people dead, including senior Congress leaders, and the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur attack in which 22 security personnel lost their lives.
What began as a citizen-led demonstration soon spiralled out of control when some protesters allegedly tried to force their way past the barricades set up around the C-Hexagon area. According to officials, the disruption blocked ambulances and medical teams that needed emergency passage.
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Delhi Police alleged that anti-pollution protesters used chilli spray against police personnel at India Gate, directly targeting their eyes.
The sudden escalation left 3–4 police personnel injured. They were rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for treatment.
Police have reportedly arrested 15 people so far for their alleged roles in the violence. A case has been registered under sections relating to obstructing government work and attacking public servants.
