The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) accused Delhi police of brutality during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest march on Monday, alleging the use of excessive force including lathi-charges and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The protest, which drew thousands demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over exam irregularities, also saw CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke faint during a sit-in at Jantar Mantar, ending his hunger strike, according to livemint.com.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured the group that no further crackdowns would occur at Jantar Mantar. The party submitted three demands to Nadda, including ₹1 crore compensation for victims. Dipke was escorted by fellow protesters after fainting, with CJP alleging police manhandled activist Gitanjali J Angmo during the march. The party shared videos on social media showing police firing tear gas and using force against peaceful protestors, questioning if the area resembled a war zone, per livemint.com.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions over alleged irregularities in national competitive exams such as NEET-UG, sparking widespread student unrest. The CJP's demands and accusations come amid broader scrutiny of government handling of protests and calls for accountability regarding student deaths. The involvement of senior leaders like JP Nadda signals the political sensitivity of the issue. Similar protests across India have prompted government responses balancing law enforcement and dialogue with agitators, as seen in recent months.
The next key development will be the government’s formal response to CJP’s demands, including the ₹1 crore compensation request, and whether further protests will continue at Jantar Mantar. The protest march and sit-in on July 20, 2026, mark a critical moment in the ongoing agitation over exam irregularities and police conduct in Delhi, according to livemint.com.