Delhi Air Pollution Protest Sparks Controversy After Madvi Hidma Posters Surface; A protest against Delhi’s worsening air pollution at India Gate turned contentious on Sunday evening after demonstrators were seen displaying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was recently killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh. The incident triggered a police crackdown, resulting in 23 arrests, two FIRs, and a wider investigation into how the pro-Hidma posters appeared during the demonstration.
Posters of Maoist Leader Hidma at India Gate Stir Debate
A viral video from the protest shows a group of activists gathered at the C-Hexagon near India Gate, raising slogans against toxic air in the national capital. Among them, one protester held a poster featuring a sketch of Madvi Hidma, the most-wanted Maoist leader killed on November 18.
Slogans like “Kitne Hidma Maraoge”, “Har Ghar Se Nikalega Hidma”, and “Amar Rahe Hidma” were reportedly raised during the demonstration, leading to questions about the protest’s intent and messaging.
Clashes With Police, Pepper Spray Used
According to Delhi Police, when personnel approached the group and requested them to vacate the area—citing the Supreme Court order designating Jantar Mantar as the official protest site—the protesters refused. Officials began dispersing them, during which some demonstrators allegedly used pepper spray on the police.
Authorities recovered three pepper spray cans, and two FIRs were registered—one at Kartavya Path police station against six protesters and another at Parliament Street police station against 17 others.
Police, Ministers React Strongly
Delhi Development Minister Kapil Mishra praised the police action, calling the incident a reflection of extremist ideology infiltrating civil protests.
He posted on X (Twitter):
“Posters in hand under the guise of pollution, Red Salute slogans on their lips. The new face of jihadis and Naxalites posing as social activists.”
Organisers Defend Protest, Accuse Govt of Suppression
The protest was organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air, which criticised the government for what they termed “cosmetic measures” like cloud seeding and water sprinklers instead of real, long-term solutions.
The group stated:
“When the state makes the air poisonous, people must unite for survival. Toxic air is now a serious risk to public health.”
They also alleged that citizens speaking up against pollution face detention, restrictions, and attempts to silence dissent, especially as mining projects, deforestation, and rapid infrastructure development intensify environmental degradation.
Delhi’s Air Quality Near ‘Severe’ Again
On Monday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 397, dangerously close to the severe category. Of 39 monitoring stations in the capital, 20 recorded severe pollution levels. In Noida, the situation was worse, with AQI climbing to 413.
This was the second protest this month over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, following a November 8 march joined by activists and Opposition leaders.
