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Human Rights Watch@hrw Ā· Jul 23, 2026

šŸ“India Police in New Delhi used tear gas, batons, and internet shutdowns against largely peaceful student-ledā€¦

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Summary

Police in New Delhi used tear gas, batons, and internet shutdowns against largely peaceful student-led protests on July 20 over exam mismanagement, which have evolved into broader demonstrations against unemployment and corruption under PM Modi's government. Human Rights Watch documented excessive force and identified accountability gaps as many officers wore no identifying marks, while mobile internet shutdowns restricted communication and information access.

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  1. #1

    šŸ“India Police in New Delhi used tear gas, batons, and internet shutdowns against largely peaceful student-led protests on July 20 šŸ§µā¤µļø hrw.org/news/2026/07/2ā€¦

  2. #2

    Protests began last month to demand accountability for mismanagement in university exams but have grown into wider dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modiā€™s government over unemployment and corruption.

  3. #3

    Witnesses described security forces beating protesters who were trying to march peacefully to Indiaā€™s parliament. Human Rights Watch verified videos showing police using batons and tear gas against protesters, and documented allegations that many security personnel were present in civilian clothes or did not wear name tags, thwarting accountability for their actions.

  4. #4

    Authorities also shut down mobile internet services, which put people at added risk by hindering communication and restricting access to information.

  5. #5

    Indian authorities should credibly investigate use of unnecessary and excessive force by security forces, hold those responsible accountable regardless of rank, allow peaceful protests to continue, and stop suspending mobile internet services.