A Delhi court on Monday granted three days of police custody to three students arrested in connection with the November 23 protest at India Gate, while sending a fourth accused to judicial custody.
The Delhi Police had sought 10 days’ custodial remand for all four protestors — Kranti Grover, Gurkirat, Ravjot and Aayesha — alleging that they were involved in raising “anti-national” slogans and had links to the banned Radical Students Union (RSU).
Police cite conspiracy angle
In its remand plea, the police claimed that the protests were part of a larger conspiracy coordinated through WhatsApp groups and multiple organisations. Investigators said they required custody to:
- Identify the alleged masterminds behind the protest
- Trace funding sources
- Probe the origin of the pepper spray allegedly used during the clash
- Travel to Hyderabad to verify possible connections to a commemorative event
Police also argued that the custodial interrogation was necessary to extract digital evidence and identify individuals coordinating the demonstration.
Court’s order
After hearing the arguments, the court ordered:
- 3-day police custody for Kranti alias Priyansh Singh, Ravjot Kaur, and Gurkirat Kaur
- Judicial custody for Ayishah Wafiyath Midhath
The court noted that further investigation was required but did not permit the extended 10-day police custody sought by the authorities.
Clashes and FIRs
Two FIRs have been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following the confrontation at India Gate. According to police, protestors associated with BSCEM and other organisations under the banner of the ‘Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air’ allegedly clashed with police personnel and raised pro-Naxal slogans.
Police have so far arrested 23 students in connection with the incident.
Investigation continues
The probe remains ongoing, with officers expected to question the three students in police custody and examine electronic devices seized during the arrests.
Further details are likely to emerge once the custodial questioning concludes.