Tensions erupted in Delhi after the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Sansad Chalo” march against alleged NEET examination irregularities turned violent on Monday. The Delhi Police said 118 personnel, including senior officers, were injured, while around 70 protesters were detained. The CJP, however, accused police of excessive force and claimed several students were injured during the crackdown.
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The protest, which demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was stopped by heavy barricading near Parliament. The situation escalated after protesters attempted to move forward, following which police used lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The CJP alleged police brutality, claiming that Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo was pushed and injured, and also alleged the use of pellet guns against protesters. The Delhi Police rejected the allegations as false, stating that no targeted assault took place and accusing protesters of attacking personnel with stones, attempting to break barricades and damaging government property.
Amid the unrest, Union Health Minister J P Nadda held discussions with CJP representatives Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, marking the first direct interaction between the Centre and the group. The CJP said Nadda assured that their demands would be discussed internally.
The movement, which began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 over alleged paper leaks and examination system irregularities, gained attention after Sonam Wangchuk and AISA students joined the hunger strike. Three students who had been fasting for 23 days ended their protest on Monday, while CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained.
Despite the clashes, the CJP said its agitation would continue peacefully.
