CPM Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas was detained by Delhi Police on Sunday while speaking to reporters during a protest in New Delhi. The Kerala MP later alleged that four police personnel physically assaulted him while he was in custody.

Brittas was participating in a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The protest was organised despite the police denying permission for the rally.

Brittas reportedly reached the protest site after receiving information that leaders of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing associated with the CPM, were being arrested.

He was allegedly taken into custody while addressing the media.

John Brittas alleges physical assault in police custody

Brittas alleged that four police personnel assaulted him inside a police bus during his brief detention. According to the MP, the officers pushed him under a seat and pressed his face down despite his identifying himself as a Member of Parliament.

He said the presence of a witness from Jharkhand boy on the bus helped prevent further harm. Brittas also claimed that a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) was aware of the incident and ordered his release.

The MP said the police subsequently left him on the roadside, from where he returned by auto-rickshaw.

Criticising the police action, Brittas accused Delhi Police of disregarding the law and the authority of the Supreme Court.

"Delhi Police has no respect for the Supreme Court or the law. They think they are the government, parliament, and the Supreme Court all in one," he said.

He also alleged that women protesters had their clothes torn and that they were dragged away during the police action. Questioning the conduct of the authorities, he asked whether the country was governed by the police or by a democratic system.

Brittas demands suspension of Delhi Police Commissioner

Brittas called for the immediate suspension of the Delhi Police Commissioner, citing the alleged assault on protesters and the injuries sustained by student leaders.

He claimed that the SFI's all-India president suffered serious head injuries during the police action and was dragged away while bleeding.

The MP demanded accountability for the alleged police excesses and warned that the responsibility would ultimately rest with Union Home Minister Amit Shah if no action was taken.

Following his release, Brittas reportedly experienced physical discomfort and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The SFI said its agitation demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation would continue until its demands were met.