Delhi police assault student activists at Jantar Mantar Protest
New Delhi: Police in Delhi assaulted two student activists during a crackdown on protesters at Jantar Mantar, where a sit-in demanding the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities is underway.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident occurred when the students were setting up a tent for a library at the protest site. Police reportedly stopped them, dragged the two students to a nearby police booth and physically assaulted them before fellow protesters intervened and secured their release.
The students, affiliated with the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), sustained injuries during the assault. Protesters said that the police used excessive force to intimidate demonstrators participating in the peaceful protest.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke strongly condemned the police action, questioning why students attempting to establish a library at the protest site were subjected to physical assault. In a video shared on social media, he was seen confronting police officials over the incident.
The sit-in at Jantar Mantar has continued for more than two weeks. Launched by the CJP on June 20, the protest is against paper leaks and irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET-UG exam. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk and six student leaders associated with the All India Students’ Association have been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the campaign.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the shrinking democratic space in India, with rights activists stating that the authorities were using force to suppress peaceful dissent and curb the right to protest.
