CPI(M) MP John Brittas Writes to President Droupadi Murmu Over Police Assault

Alleging that he was manhandled, dragged, and assaulted in a police officers vehicle, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas on Sunday wrote to the President, Vice President, and the Chief Justice of India, seeking "urgent intervention" and "fixing accountability" on the part of police officers personnel, and action on the question of Parliamentary privilege. The entire episode raises grave questions about the rule of the law.

Guarantee of democratic dissent, and accountability of those entrusted with enforcing the law, he said in a letter to President Droupadi Murmu.

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Details of the brutality emerged shortly after the Supreme Court issued guidelines aimed at shielding peaceful protesters from unlawful detentions and ensuring uninterrupted internet connectivity, railway, and metro services. The victim, Brittas, recounts being left stranded on the side of the road after a senior DCP ordered his release, citing the detention as unlawful.

Brittas now calls for a thorough, independent investigation into the incident, including the roles of senior officials involved.

Brittas alleged that he was driven around for 3.5 hours in a police vehicle. This is a clear violation of his fundamental rights. "Drove us around for 3.5 hours" he said in a statement.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among opposition parties, with several Congress MPs and CPI(M) leaders condemning the police action.

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Brittas urged President Droupadi Murmu to seek a comprehensive report from the Union government and the Delhi government and to ensure that an impartial and independent investigation is initiated. noting that this is not merely an assault on an MP. It is an assault on democratic freedoms and the rule of law, he shared.

in his letter. The Government cannot intimidate democracy into silence. And it cannot substitute the force of the baton for the force of debate, he added.