New Delhi: A group of people staged a protest at Delhi’s India Gate on Sunday against the deteriorating air pollution in the capital. The demonstrations, however, turned violent after the protestors used chilli spray on Police personnel. As per the latest update, an FIR has been registered, and more than 15 people were arrested under relevant sections for obstructing traffic and blocking the roads. Amid protests, slogans supporting the top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma were raised.
‘Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe’ Slogan Raised At India Gate | WATCH
Chants of “Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe” (Long Live Madvi Hidma) echoed through the streets on Sunday. Earlier, on November 9, residents, mostly students, gathered at India Gate, demanding that the government formulate policies that help curb the recurring crisis in the National Capital region.
Protesters against Air Pollution in Delhi suddenly started raising slogans in support of Indian Naxalite Hidma; says "Long live Comrade Hidma"
Delhi's air quality hit severe levels Sunday, with AQI around 400, prompting hybrid school classes and health alerts for vulnerable… pic.twitter.com/7cg6aeTRc1
---Advertisement---— Sujal Singh (@sujalsingh_x) November 23, 2025
Shortly before the protests turned violent, a man can be spotted holding a poster that read: “From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on”. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have assured strict legal action against those who raised the Maoist slogans.
#WATCH | Delhi: A group of protesters holds a protest at India Gate over air pollution in Delhi-NCR. They were later removed from the spot by police personnel pic.twitter.com/DBEZTeET0U
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025
15 Arrested After Chilli Spray Used On Police
On protestors using chilli spray, New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla told ANI, “For the first time, we encountered the use of chilli spray against police personnel. A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard…” He further added that some of the protesters gathered inside the C-Hexagon, trying to cross the barricade. They later entered after breaking the barricade and sat on the road.
“We requested them to move, as many ambulances and medical personnel were waiting behind them and required emergency access. We removed them from the C-Hexagon to avoid disrupting traffic. During the removal, several protesters scuffled with the police, and many of our personnel were injured. For the first time, we encountered the use of chilli spray against police personnel. A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in this regard,” DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla added.
#WATCH | Delhi | New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla says, "…For the first time, we encountered the use of chilli spray against police personnel. A few of our officers were sprayed in the eyes and are currently receiving treatment at RML Hospital. Legal action is being taken in… https://t.co/fNMeaffsFb pic.twitter.com/M97aUbWNJV
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025
Who Was Madvi Hidma?
Hidma, accused of orchestrating more than 26 armed attacks on security forces and civilians, was killed in an encounter on November 18 in Alluri Sitharamaraju district, Andhra Pradesh. Born in 1981 in Sukma, Hidma became the leader of the battalion of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army. He was the only tribal member from Bastar on the central committee. He carried a bounty of Rs 50 lakh and is allegedly responsible for his role in several major Maoist attacks.
