Civil society activists criticise police action at Ramlila Grounds

Supporters of Baba Ramdev on the dais after the police entered Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Saturday night. Photo: PTI

Civil society activists Shanti Bhushan and Swami Agnivesh on Sunday criticised the police action to end the hunger strike of Baba Ramdev with former Law Minister calling it an Emergency—like situation and demanding resignation of the Prime Minister.

However, Swami Agnivesh was equally critical of Baba Ramdev saying he should have called off the fast once the government gave him assurances on his demands. But instead he instigated his followers to continue the agitation and innocent men and women were attacked by the police.

Comparing the government’s action to that of Emergency in 1975, Mr. Bhushan said it shows to what extent the government can go to protect black money offenders.

Swami Agnivesh criticised the police action saying this kind of brutal lathicharge and tear gas shelling on sleeping followers was condemnable.

He also accused Baba Ramdev for instigating the crowd to stay back and continue with the agitation even after his demands were met.

“But not calling off the agitation and continuing with some provocative speeches were not helpful,” he said, adding the whole thing was based on some fishy deal.

Another activist and Anna Hazare camp follower, Arvind Kejriwal said the action shows this government is drunk with power and the whole country will agitate against this.

He said they would like the Prime Minister to explain as to what was the provocation for such a brutal action.

After police action, Ramlila Maidan gets a deserted look

PTI Supporters of Baba Ramdev argue with police personnel at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi after the police entered the protest venue, on Saturday night.

Twenty-four hours ago, the Ramlila Maidan was brimming with activity, sea of humanity descended there to join Baba Ramdev’s protest, but a late night police action gave the protest venue a deserted look.

The Ramlila Maidan, which has witnessed a series of historic protests, was filled with tear gas soon around 1.30 am after police swarmed the protest site and Baba Ramdev was whisked away by the police.

The premises, where the organisers claimed that over 50,000 people had joined the protest, lay deserted with mattresses thrown around, unattended bags, sandals and other articles.

Some people who were still in the pandal were forced to leave the place after the police action.

Deputy Commissioners of Police from several districts were asked to rushed to the spot.

Policemen deployed at the site were seen going around with hand-held microphones, announcing that the permission for the ‘Yoga camp’ has been cancelled.

They were forcing people out of the ground.

A DCP was seen shouting at armed police personnel who were sitting idle, saying they should be ashamed of themselves as some people refused to move.

Garbage collectors had tough day as they were seen collecting empty water bottle and other garbage from the spot.

An employee of Haridwar-based sound system company claimed that the damage was in thousands.