Indian Catholic Press Association Condemns Brutal Assault on Students in Delhi, Demands Accountability

NEW DELHI, July 24, 2026: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) unequivocally condemns the brutal assault on students during the recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The reported use of excessive force against young citizens exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest is shocking, unacceptable and a matter of grave concern for every person who values democracy, justice and human dignity.

Students are not criminals. They are citizens exercising their constitutional rights. They have every right to question authority, demand accountability and raise their voices on issues that directly affect their education, careers and future. No democratic government can claim to respect its young citizens while responding to their legitimate concerns with violence and intimidation.

The ICPA is deeply disturbed by reports of lathi charges, tear gas, water cannons and alleged physical mistreatment of protesters, including women.

The police exist to protect citizens, not to assault them. The uniform is not a licence for brutality.

The ICPA stands in solidarity with the students who gathered peacefully to raise their concerns. Their voices deserve to be heard with seriousness and respect, not crushed by force. Questions relating to the integrity of competitive examinations, alleged question-paper leaks, accountability within the education system and the future of India's youth demand transparent answers and credible action.

It is profoundly disturbing that students who should be preparing for their future are instead being forced to take to the streets to demand justice and accountability.

The ICPA strongly rejects any attempt to portray peaceful student protest as a threat to public order. Dissent is not a crime. Protest is not sedition. Asking questions is not an act of rebellion. A healthy democracy must have the courage to listen to its young citizens, even when their questions are uncomfortable.

We demand an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged police assault and the conduct of law enforcement personnel during the protest. Any individual found responsible for excessive force, assault, abuse or misconduct must be held accountable under the law, regardless of rank or position.

The ICPA calls upon the government and competent authorities to:

- Immediately investigate the alleged brutal assault on students and make the findings public;

- Fix responsibility for any unlawful or excessive use of force;

- Ensure justice for students and protesters who were allegedly assaulted or mistreated;

- Safeguard the constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression;

- Address the legitimate concerns of students through transparent dialogue rather than repression;

- Investigate allegations of examination irregularities and question-paper leaks and ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing is established;

- Guarantee that no student will face retaliation, intimidation or harassment for exercising democratic rights.

The ICPA also calls upon journalists and media organisations to remain vigilant and fearless in reporting on the treatment of students and citizens by those in authority. The press must not become a silent spectator when democratic freedoms are threatened. It is the duty of journalism to document the truth, amplify the voices of the unheard and hold institutions accountable.

The Indian Catholic Press Association believes that the dignity of every human person is inviolable. The young people of India deserve a future built on justice, transparency, merit and hope—not fear, intimidation and violence.

The answer to a student's demand for justice cannot be a police baton. The response to dissent cannot be brutality. And the voice of India's youth cannot be silenced by force.

The ICPA urges the authorities to immediately engage with student representatives, address their grievances in good faith and take concrete measures to restore public confidence in democratic institutions.

India's youth are not the problem. Ignoring their voices is.

President 

Fr Suresh Mathew 

Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA)