We are not terrorists, we are MPs of the country, Sanjay Singh’s serious allegation of brutality on Delhi Police; Letter written to the privileges committee

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has sent a formal complaint letter to the Privileges Committee of Parliament, expressing strong anger over the attitude of Delhi Police. He has seriously accused the Delhi Police of inhumane treatment and assault on MPs, lawyers, journalists and common citizens during peaceful protests.

Sanjay Singh said that the MPs are not goons, mafia or terrorists, rather they are elected members of the country’s highest panchayat i.e. Parliament. He underlined that in a democracy, raising voice peacefully against vote theft, dictatorship or any injustice is a fundamental right granted by the Constitution. This right has been obtained from the Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and the sacrifice of freedom fighters, which cannot be snatched away on the basis of police power.

‘Draged three times, neck pulled’: Accused of serious physical abuse

Sanjay Singh, in his letter and public statement, accused the Delhi Police of using force in a planned manner:

• Dates details: He claimed that he was repeatedly subjected to indecent behavior during various protests held on 2nd, 10th and 12th in the month of October.

• Physical Abuse: The AAP MP alleged that the policemen dragged him to the ground three times, pulled his neck and assaulted him.

• Action on citizens and journalists: He said that not only the public representatives but also the journalists doing coverage, the lawyers present for legal help and even small girls were pushed and used force by the police.

Demand for action against Delhi Police Commissioner

Sanjay Singh also raised questions on the role of the top leadership of Delhi Police:

• He told that during these incidents he tried to personally contact the Delhi Police Commissioner, made calls and sent messages, but neither the call was picked up nor any response was given from his end.

• The MP alleged that the police in the capital have been given free rein to suppress the voice of opposition parties and act arbitrarily.

• On this basis, he has written a letter to the Privileges Committee demanding a case of violation of parliamentary privilege against the Delhi Police Commissioner and the concerned police officers and taking strict action. Along with this, he said that he will also present evidence in the court and file a legal complaint against the policemen.

Role of Privileges Committee and further process

Under the Rules of Parliament, when an MP is complained of misconduct or breach of privilege by public servants in the discharge of his duties or in the context of his constitutional rights, the Privileges Committee investigates the matter:

1. Notice and Testimony: The committee can send summons to the concerned police officers and police commissioner to know their side.

2. Examination of evidence: Video footage of the incident and medical evidence are examined.

3. Recommendation to Parliament: After completion of the investigation, the committee tables its report and punitive or administrative recommendations in the House.

After this letter of AAP MP, the conflict between police versus opposition in the political corridors of Delhi has once again deepened.