Over 118 Police Officers Injured and 70 Protesters Detained During CJP Parliament March in Delhi
More than 118 police personnel were injured and approximately 70 protesters were detained on Monday during a protest march in central Delhi organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The "Sansad Chalo" march, which aimed to reach Parliament, resulted in widespread clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to injuries on both sides and damage to public property.
According to a statement released by the Delhi Police on Monday night, the protesters exhibited "unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour" and defied repeated warnings and lawful directions to disperse. The police stated that prohibitory orders were in force in the area at the time of the demonstration.
Clashes and Injuries During Parliament March
The CJP, an organization that originated from an online campaign, initiated its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20. The group called for Monday's march to Parliament to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and other irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination system.
The march drew support from several opposition party leaders and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had joined the CJP on a hunger strike on June 28. During the events, Wangchuk was moved by plainclothes Delhi Police officers to Safdarjung Hospital in South Delhi.
As thousands of protesters advanced toward Parliament on Monday afternoon, Delhi Police deployed a heavy security presence and set up multiple layers of barricades to halt their progress. To control the crowd, security forces used lathi charges and fired tear gas shells as demonstrators attempted to breach the barriers.
The Delhi Police reported that more than 118 of their personnel sustained injuries during the confrontations. The injured included senior officers holding ranks such as Special Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, alongside several female officers. Medico-legal examinations of the injured personnel are currently underway.
The police statement also noted that approximately 60 protesters were reported injured during the scuffle. Furthermore, the police accused the crowd of vandalizing between 15 and 20 government vehicles and causing extensive damage to other public property.
Allegations of Police Excesses and Official Denials
The CJP accused the Delhi Police of using brutal and excessive force against the demonstrating students. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke alleged that police actions resulted in fractured skulls for multiple student protesters. Dipke also claimed that a male police officer beat a 15-year-old girl and attempted to assault Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, by grabbing her hair and attempting to drag her from a vehicle.
Following the dismantling of their stage at Jantar Mantar by the police, CJP members continued their demonstration with a sit-in near Kerala House.
The Delhi Police strongly denied the allegations of assault against Angmo, describing the claims as "completely false and misleading." The police maintained that no individuals were subjected to targeted assaults and asserted that officers acted to counter a violent mob throwing stones and other objects.
Following the detentions of around 70 protesters, the Delhi Police initiated legal proceedings. An FIR is being registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws for offences including rioting, assault on public servants, and damage to public property.
Demands and Political Meetings
During the day, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met with Union Minister JP Nadda to present a memorandum containing their demands. The group's demands include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk, discussions on educational issues during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, and a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.
According to the CJP, Minister Nadda stated that the government would examine the submitted demands but did not offer any immediate commitments. CJP leaders expressed disappointment over the lack of a formal response from the government.
Following the meeting, CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Gitanjali Angmo announced that their protest would continue until the government addresses all of their outlined demands.
