Steel Batons Not Part of Our Weaponry: Delhi Police Commissioner

“I can’t tell you what is that. Steel batons are not a part of police weaponry,” SN Srivastava said.

The Delhi Police has further clarified that the cops in the image were from one part of Delhi (Shahdara) and that they had decided to pick up the ‘metal lathis’ on their own.

(Photo: Twitter)

After an image of a group of cops standing with metal lances and arm guards started doing the rounds of the internet, the Delhi Police has said that such batons are not part of their weaponry.

“I can't tell you what that is. Steel batons are not a part of police weaponry,” Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava said when asked about the metal batons, reported ANI.

Earlier, NDTV had reported that the Delhi Police had clarified that there were no formal orders to equip the cops with these weapons and has sought explanations from those behind the image.

The Delhi Police had further clarified that the cops in the image were from one part of Delhi (Shahdara) and that they had decided to pick up the ‘metal lathis’ on their own.

According to NDTV, their sources have further informed that the Delhi Police unit from Shahdara has been asked for an explanation.

WHAT IS THE DELHI POLICE SAYING?

According to NDTV, a Delhi Police spokesperson has said:

“The images were from Shahdara district. A local officer asked for these metal lathis without seeking approval from any senior officer.”   

The spokesperson further reportedly added: "As soon as senior officers found out, these were taken back. There is no scheme to provide policemen with steel lathis."

BACKGROUND

Previously, according to media reports, a police personnel was ‘grievously injured’ while trying to break up a fight between protesting farmers and a group that had barged into their tent at the Singhu Border.

Swords were spotted on Tuesday, amid the chaos that ensured on the day of the Tractor Rally.

(With inputs from ANI and NDTV.)