Delhi Police on Wednesday alleged that farmer leaders made inflammatory speeches and were involved in the violence during the tractor parade by agitating farmers that left 394 of its personnel injured, and warned that no culprit will be spared.
Addressing a press conference, Delhi police commissioner S N Srivastava said farmer unions did not follow conditions set for the tractor rally that was supposed to be held from 12 noon to 5 PM and accused them of betrayal.
He said not a single life was lost as the Delhi Police showed extreme restraint.
As many as 25 FIRs have been registered so far, Srivastava said.
“We are using the facial recognition system and taking the help of CCTV and video footage to identify the accused. Strict action will be taken against those identified. No culprit will be spared,” he said
He alleged that some farmer leaders like Satnam Singh Pannu and Darshan Pal gave inflammatory speeches. Thereafter protesters broke barricades.
“By January 25 evening, it became clear that they were not keeping their words. They brought forward the aggressive and militant elements who occupied the stage and delivered provocative speeches,” he said.
He said that 394 police personnel were injured while 30 police vehicles were damaged in the violence on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, police officials said that six Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and 70 iron barricades were damaged when over 10,000 protesting farmers on nearly 600 tractors stormed the ITO area.
Officials also said that 200 people have been detailed in relation with the incident. According to police, the detained people are being questioned. Police said they are likely to detain and question more people in connection with Tuesday's violence in the national capital.
According to the FIR, the farmers smashed the barricades and hit DTC buses stationed at ITO with their tractors and also tried to run over police personnel.
The national capital witnessed clashes between protesters and police during the tractor parade by farmers on the Republic Day to press their demand of repealing three new agri laws.
