Delhi Police ACP Suspended Following Violent Clash with Lawyers

Significant Action Taken by Home Ministry

New Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken decisive action by suspending Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manasvi Vashistha following a violent altercation between lawyers and police personnel at the Shahdara police station. The ministry's order indicates that departmental proceedings against the officer are currently under consideration. During the suspension period, Vashistha has been assigned to remain in Delhi and is prohibited from leaving the city without prior approval from the competent authority.

Background of the Incident

This incident unfolded shortly after ACP Manasvi Vashistha, a 2019 batch DANIPS officer, protested against his transfer list. Following an altercation on October 23, where a lawyer sustained serious head injuries, lawyers at the district court initiated a widespread strike. In response to the lawyers' protests, the administration transferred ACP Vashistha and Station House Officer (SHO) Arun Kumar to the Women and Child Special Police Unit. After this transfer order, the lawyers called off their strike on October 28, but it sparked significant discontent among police personnel.

Police Personnel Protest

On Monday, around 100 police officers gathered outside the police headquarters to protest against the administrative actions, demanding the reinstatement of both officials. The protest escalated, with approximately 500 police personnel expressing their grievances in a meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and other senior officials. The ministry's order also clarified that during the suspension, ACP Vashistha will receive a subsistence allowance, provided he does not engage in any other private employment during this period.