Protester may need ear surgery after alleged assault in detention, medical reports show

Fidal Royas’ medical reports indicate that there is damage to the ear drum of his right ear. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Fidal Royas travelled the length of the country from his hometown in Kerala to Delhi to fight for democracy and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He returned home 11 days later to seek treatment for severe ear injuries that may require surgery after having been hit, kicked, and slapped while detained by the Delhi police on October 11.

The 27-year-old has recently completed a teachers’ training course to teach in lower and upper primary schools. He reached Delhi on the night of October 1, and participated in the protest on Gandhi Jayanti the next day, and then again on October 10. He was detained on both days, but did not face any assault.

On October 11, however, as the police cracked down on attempts to mobilise protest across the national capital, he was injured after being “hit and slapped multiple times on his face and ear”. He was allegedly attacked after the police spotted him recording a video about police violence.

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Perforated ear drum