Indian police crackdown fail to stop CJP protest as agitation enters 24th day
New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continued its protest at Jantar Mantar for the 24th consecutive day on Tuesday, a day after Indian police used tear gas, baton charges and force to stop the party’s “Chalo Sansad” march, leaving dozens of protesters injured and triggering widespread political condemnation.
According to Kashmir media Service, the protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, has intensified despite the police crackdown, with demonstrators refusing to end their sit-in until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak scandal.
Early Tuesday, Dipke visited injured protesters admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and apologised to them, saying more could have been done to protect them during Monday’s violence. He claimed that a young woman remained in critical condition following the police action and appealed for medical supplies for injured volunteers.
CJP leaders rejected the Indian government’s claim that talks with protesters had been constructive, describing the discussions as “useless” and accusing the authorities of refusing to address their key demands. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that police brutally assaulted peaceful demonstrators, beat youths with batons, dragged protesters across roads, assaulted women participants and inflicted serious injuries on several volunteers.
The police action has sparked sharp political reactions across India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of crushing a peaceful democratic protest through baton charges and tear gas instead of responding to students’ demands. Several opposition leaders, including Kapil Sibal, Sanjay Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and Manoj Jha, also criticised the government’s handling of the demonstrations and demanded accountability.
Meanwhile, the Resident Doctors’ Association of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to order an independent, time-bound inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar and expressed concern over reports regarding the treatment of activist Sonam Wangchuk at Safdarjung Hospital.
Delhi Police defended its action, claiming that force was used only after protesters attempted to breach security barricades. Police said 118 personnel and around 60 protesters were injured during the clashes and confirmed that multiple FIRs had been registered in connection with the demonstrations.
Despite heightened security and continued police surveillance around Jantar Mantar, CJP leaders vowed to continue their agitation, saying the movement would not end until their demands are met.
