Mass protests in Delhi met with police baton charges as CJP demands resignation

Thousands gathered in New Delhi after a heavy police operation at a youth-led demonstration calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and education reforms, with reports of dozens injured and dozens detained.

Protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical movement protesting alleged exam leaks and demanding ministerial accountability, attempted to march on parliament despite a police ban. Officials said 70 protesters were detained and 118 police personnel were reported injured; protesters and eyewitnesses described baton and tear-gas use and said at least 60 demonstrators were wounded.

The CJP has been encamped at Jantar Mantar for about a month, gaining national attention after educationist Sonam Wangchuk joined the sit-in on 28 June and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the group’s demands; police removed him from the site and he was taken to hospital where he continues to fast.

Police said the protesters acted violently, attacking officers, attempting to breach barricades and damaging public property. The CJP rejected that account, accusing security forces of initiating brutality and urging injured supporters to seek legal assistance through the group. Social media footage posted after internet services were restored showed clashes and injured demonstrators.

After a brief meeting between some CJP leaders and Health Minister J.P. Nadda, during which Nadda urged protesters to end the sit-in and help restore normalcy, protesters said no concrete assurances were given. The CJP reclaimed the Jantar Mantar site on Monday night and posted calls for continued demonstrations while reiterating Pradhan must resign over the alleged NEET exam leak.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The movement drew tens of thousands to Delhi and broadened public attention after prominent figures joined the sit-in; official statements emphasize attempts by police to enforce prohibitory orders while CJP leaders and eyewitnesses report large-scale force against demonstrators. The meeting with a senior government minister did not resolve demands, and both sides offered conflicting accounts of the violence and responsibility for escalation.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a CJP protest calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
• Authorities reported 118 police injured and detained around 70 protesters; protesters reported at least 60 wounded amid baton and tear-gas use.
• The CJP gained wider attention after Sonam Wangchuk joined the encampment and began a hunger strike; a brief meeting with Health Minister J.P. Nadda produced no concrete assurances.