National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) National Secretary Ritu Barala Speaking to DYnamite News (Img: Screengrab from the Video)
New Delhi: National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) National Secretary Ritu Barala has spoken to Dynamite News amid allegations of police assault on student protesters detained during a demonstration in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi: NSUI National Secretary Ritubala alleges she was assaulted by police personnel following the ‘Vote Chori’ protest. She claims she was choked, slapped and targeted inside a bus before being taken to a police station, where she alleges women constables beat and threatened her. Ritubala has sought action against the personnel involved, including Chanchal Yadav. Rahul Gandhi recently met her and praised her courage during a press conference.
@INCIndia @RahulGandhi @nsui @Ritubarala
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) October 14, 2026
The allegations emerged after NSUI members protested near Rajiv Chowk Metro Station on October 13, demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The student organisation accused Delhi Police personnel of using excessive force against protesters, including women.
Ritu Barala, NSUI’s national secretary, spoke to Dynamite News about the allegations surrounding the treatment of student protesters during detention.
The incident has drawn attention after several protesters alleged physical abuse while in police custody. The claims include allegations of being kicked and beaten, while another student, Athira, reportedly alleged that an assault inside a police bus left her unable to hear properly in one ear. These allegations have not been independently established.
NSUI members were detained during a demonstration against the Election Commission at Rajiv Chowk. The organisation subsequently staged a protest outside Connaught Place police station, alleging that its members had been assaulted during detention.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly show confrontations involving protesters and police personnel. The Indian Express reported that police were verifying the authenticity of a video that appeared to show a woman protester being dragged by her hair.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met NSUI protesters on October 14 and expressed solidarity with students who alleged that they had been assaulted.
During a press conference, Gandhi highlighted the allegations made by Athira, a student from Kerala studying at Delhi University, who claimed that she had lost hearing in one ear following the alleged assault. He also praised Ritu Barala, referring to her as “yeh sherni hai” while she described her experience.
The allegations have intensified calls for accountability and an investigation into the treatment of protesters. The specific claims made by the students, including the alleged injuries, require verification through medical documentation and an official response from Delhi Police.
