The protest, held near the C-Hexagon stretch, took an unexpected turn when a section of demonstrators unfurled posters comparing Hidma to tribal icon Birsa Munda and hailed him as a guardian of “jal, jungle aur zameen.” Hidma, one of India’s most wanted Maoists and the alleged mastermind of multiple attacks in Chhattisgarh, was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh on November 18.
Police said the situation turned violent when protesters allegedly used chilli spray on officers attempting to disperse the crowd, injuring at least three to four personnel. “This is the first time chilli spray has been used against law-and-order officials,” New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla said. The injured officers were taken to RML Hospital.
By Monday, Delhi Police had arrested 15 people on charges of assaulting police personnel, obstructing traffic, and blocking emergency routes, including ambulances. An FIR has been registered.
According to officials, the crowd had begun obstructing movement on the key junction, forcing police to intervene. Videos from the spot showed officers dragging protesters off the carriageway and detaining several of them.
Hidma, who carried a reward of ₹1 crore, operated in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region for nearly 25 years and was linked to at least 26 major Maoist attacks. Security agencies describe him as one of the CPI (Maoist)’s most lethal field commanders.
The incident unfolded amid mounting public anger over Delhi’s toxic air. The Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air said the city’s hazardous pollution levels pose a “severe health emergency” and criticised authorities for relying on short-term measures instead of structural reforms.
Delhi recorded an AQI of 506 on November 20, ranking as the most polluted city globally, with hospitals reporting a surge in respiratory cases. Health experts warn exposure at these levels sharply raises the risk of lung and cardiac ailments.
