Outrage After Right-Wing Activist Assaults Two Protesters Near Connaught Place
A viral video showing a right-wing activist allegedly harassing and physically assaulting two young protesters in a vehicle near Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Jantar Mantar in the Connaught Place area sparked widespread outrage and political controversy on Sunday.
The video shows Satyam Pandit, a Ghaziabad-based activist and self-styled head of the Hindu Veer Sena, questioning two young men about their presence at a local protest. In the two-minute clip, which Pandit posted on his own social media account, he abuses the two men, strikes them multiple times, and forces them to state on camera that they will not return to the protest.
One of the victims, a resident of Bareilly, spoke out following the incident, explaining that he was stopped shortly after leaving a gurdwara where he had slept overnight. He stated that Pandit was accompanied by four people and a cameraman who harassed and beat them while they were heading toward Jantar Mantar, approximately 200 meters from Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The victim said he wanted to seek help but found no fellow protesters nearby, and appealed for action against the perpetrators.
The incident drew sharp reactions from Opposition leaders across political parties, who demanded immediate law enforcement action. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav shared the video on X, criticizing the incident and demanding the immediate arrest of the activist. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra stated that the Delhi Police must act quickly and book the perpetrator, while Aam Aadmi Party Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj similarly urged police to register a First Information Report.
Delhi Police officials stated that no formal complaint had been registered regarding the incident.
In a response video and subsequent statement, Pandit defended his actions, claiming that he saw individuals in the Connaught Place area using abusive language against Hindu deities. He further alleged that the protest site had become a hotbed of anti-national activities where police personnel were being attacked, stating he would take similar action again if he witnessed disrespect toward his religion.
