New Delhi/Alive News: The Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC), investigating alleged violence during the July protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, will hear complaints and record evidence related to the incident on October 29 and 30, according to officials.
The committee will examine allegations of pellet gun use, targeted violence and harassment of women protesters. It will also look into claims of excessive force and property damage by both protesters and security personnel.
The proceedings will begin at 11 am at the committee’s office in Shiksha Sadan, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area. Affected people and members of the public can submit complaints, representations and supporting evidence between 11.30 am and 3 pm, subject to valid identity documents.
Five-Member Panel Led by Retired Supreme Court Judge
The five-member committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy. It was constituted by the apex court to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters during the agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Counter-allegations of violence against police personnel were also raised.
The other members include former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, former Delhi High Court judge Justice Shalinder Kaur, former CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla and retired Meghalaya DGP L R Bishnoi.
Online Portal for Evidence Submission
The committee has launched an online portal, hpec.nic.in, where affected individuals, witnesses and other stakeholders can submit statements and supporting documents.
The Supreme Court has directed the panel to protect vulnerable witnesses, maintain confidentiality and safeguard their identities and evidence.
Clashes During March to Parliament
Clashes broke out on July 20 during the CJP-led march to Parliament. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters. Several students were reportedly hospitalised with injuries, with allegations of pellet gun use also emerging.
The agitation began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 and spread to several cities. It was called off on July 25 following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
