CJP Protest Turns Violent Near Parliament, Police Break Up Gathering With Force".

New Delh Tensions flared at Jantar Mantar on Monday as Delhi Police broke up the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest and cleared the site using lathi-charge and tear gas shells, ahead of the CJP's planned Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament. 

The protest was held on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. Thousands of CJP supporters had gathered demanding accountability for NEET paper leaks, student suicides, and education reforms.

What Happened at Jantar Mantar:

Viral videos showed police personnel in riot gear using lathis to disperse crowds as protesters tried to march towards Parliament. Reports said at least two rounds of lathi-charge took place near Kerala Bhawan after protesters breached barricades and some pelted stones. 

According to CJP, tear gas was also fired after demonstrators reached Parliament Street, and several protesters were detained. CJP spokespersons alleged that Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was assaulted and that founder Abhijeet Dipke was "picked up" by police.

Drone visuals indicated over 30,000 participants at the site at peak times. 

Delhi Police Response:

Delhi Police denied claims of excessive force. In a post on X, they said:

"Some segments of the media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detentions at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place and the protest is being handled professionally".

DCP New Delhi Sachin Sharma said the action was taken to prevent a breach towards Parliament and maintain law and order. Police also said prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS were in force and no permission had been granted for the march. 

Background:

RCDelhi Police had sealed roads leading to Parliament, barricaded Jantar Mantar, and closed Janpath, Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations. Around 270 body-worn cameras were deployed to record proceedings. 

The CJP protest centered on demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action on exam irregularities.