Cinema VinesMalayalam film star Tovino Thomas and actress Vismaya Mohanlal have publicly condemned the Delhi police’s use of tear gas and lathi charges during the Chalo Sansad march that took place on Monday in New Delhi. The protest, which saw students marching from Jantar Mantar to Parliament, was met with force that left many participants injured and the city’s transport network disrupted.
On Tuesday, Thomas posted a statement on Instagram in which he denounced the police response. He wrote that “right and wrong may be relative, but this is certainly NOT the way to handle a peaceful protest.” He questioned the justification for the force, asking whether the students had “destroyed property” or “reverted to violence,” and emphasized that peaceful dissent is a cornerstone of democracy. Thomas concluded with a personal note on his sense of nationalism, stating that his politics is “humanity” and his belief is “peace,” adding a patriotic sign‑off of “Jai Hind.”
Vismaya Mohanlal echoed the criticism on her Instagram Stories, reposting a message that highlighted the tear gas, lathi charges, injuries, road blockages, metro closures, heavy barricades, and internet suspension that followed the march. She urged observers to reflect on the nature of democracy when citizens are met with overwhelming force rather than dialogue, and asked whether this is the type of response that should be expected in the future.
Both celebrities used their platforms to call for a more measured and respectful approach to public protests, stressing that the right to dissent should not be seen as a threat to democracy but rather as one of its foundations. Their statements have added to the growing national debate over police conduct during the Chalo Sansad march.
