CPI(M) MP John Brittas Alleges He Was Choked and Manhandled by Security Personnel in Delhi

Indian Express•Published: Oct 12, 2026 02:59 AM IST

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas was detained and allegedly manhandled by security personnel at Connaught Place while attempting to check on detained student protesters. The parliamentarian stated that officers grabbed him by the neck, pinned him to a bus seat, and choked him despite identifying himself as an MP.

Forceful Detention: Brittas stated he was speaking to journalists when CRPF and Delhi Police personnel forcefully threw him into a bus and assaulted him.
Medical Intervention: Following his release via a police intervention, an injured Brittas was taken to RML Hospital for medical treatment after nearly collapsing.
Formal Complaints: The CPI(M) leader has written formal letters to the President, Rajya Sabha Chairman, and Chief Justice of India demanding accountability.
Widespread Crackdown: The incident occurred amid a wider police crackdown on Left activists and student groups protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Context & Background

The high-profile detention unfolded during demonstrations organized by student bodies near Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar. Several other prominent Left leaders, including M A Baby, Brinda Karat, and Annie Raja, were also detained by authorities during the protests.

Why it matters:The alleged physical assault on a sitting Member of Parliament by security forces in the national capital raises profound concerns regarding legislative privileges, police accountability, and the protection of democratic dissent in India. The incident has intensified political tensions between opposition parties and law enforcement agencies.

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