📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sumita Roy Dutta
Crime
989 Individuals with Criminal Records Gather at Jantar Mantar, Stirring Public Concern
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 28 Jul 2026, 04:40 PM
👁 1
A gathering of 989 individuals, many with serious criminal convictions, at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has raised alarms among authorities and the public.
A crowd of 989 people, including several with criminal records, assembled at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday, sparking concern among law‑enforcement officials and the general public. The protest site, a long‑standing symbol of civic dissent, saw a mix of individuals with convictions ranging from theft to more serious offences.
Among the attendees were accused of murder, robbery, rape and kidnapping, according to police reports. The presence of such a large number of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds at a public protest has prompted questions about crowd control and the safety of the surrounding area.
Delhi Police released a statement saying that they had been monitoring the gathering and had taken steps to ensure that the protest remained peaceful. They also indicated that they would review the list of participants to determine if any further action was required.
The incident has drawn criticism from civil‑rights groups, who argue that the presence of convicted criminals at a public demonstration undermines the integrity of the protest movement. Authorities have pledged to investigate the matter further and to take appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Among the attendees were accused of murder, robbery, rape and kidnapping, according to police reports. The presence of such a large number of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds at a public protest has prompted questions about crowd control and the safety of the surrounding area.
Delhi Police released a statement saying that they had been monitoring the gathering and had taken steps to ensure that the protest remained peaceful. They also indicated that they would review the list of participants to determine if any further action was required.
The incident has drawn criticism from civil‑rights groups, who argue that the presence of convicted criminals at a public demonstration undermines the integrity of the protest movement. Authorities have pledged to investigate the matter further and to take appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.