Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas is one of the latest entrants in the list of celebrities supporting the protests in Delhi.
In an Instagram post, the actor questioned the police action against the protesters, asking, “What did these students do wrong? Did they destroy property? Did they resort to violence?”
He further described the protest as peaceful and suggested that dissent was being crushed by the state.
However, official accounts and multiple media reports paint a very different picture of what unfolded on 20 July 2026.
Violence & Anarchy, Not Just Peaceful Protest
What began as the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” march reportedly escalated into violent clashes with police near Parliament.
According to Delhi Police:
- Around 15-20 government and police vehicles were vandalised during the violence.
- Protesters allegedly breached and damaged police barricades erected around the high-security Parliament area.
- More than 100 police personnel sustained injuries while attempting to control the situation.
- Multiple FIRs have since been registered, with investigations continuing into those responsible for the violence and destruction of public property.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
These facts directly contradict the rhetorical question posed by Tovino Thomas asking whether the protesters had damaged property.
Tovino’s statement appears to have been made without acknowledging the violence that accompanied the protest.
By portraying the demonstration as entirely peaceful while omitting reports of vandalism, attacks on police personnel, and destruction of public property, the actor is presenting only one side of the story.
The right to peaceful protest is protected in a democracy. However, that right does not extend to vandalism, assaults on law enforcement, or damage to taxpayer-funded infrastructure.
Celebrities command enormous influence. When they weigh in on politically charged events, they also have a responsibility to ensure that their statements reflect the complete picture rather than a selective narrative.
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