Stone-Pelting & Scuffles: Cops Bleed As CJP Protest Turns Violent, Say Those Deployed Near Security Barricades Targeted

New Delhi: The protest by the Cockroach Janta Party near Jantar Mantar escalated into violence today as demonstrators clashed directly with law enforcement officers. Because the demonstration lacked permission to take place near Parliament Street, police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and a lathi charge. In retaliation, protestors pelted stones at the officers stationed near the barricades, injuring several of them. Visuals from the scene showed injured policemen, some with bleeding noses and head wounds, others already in bandages, resolutely remaining on the frontline to continue their duty.

The demonstrators had gathered at the Jantar Mantar protest site for the "Chalo Sansad" march to protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET, the national entrance test for medical colleges, and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Police Personnel Targeted in the Melee

According to reports from the ground, the situation deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to several police officers. Multiple visuals from the scene captured the moments when protesters turned on the police personnel. Officials are describing the incident as an organized wave of violence against the deployment. A Delhi Police Sub-Inspector, who sustained injuries during the confrontation, recounted the sudden outbreak of aggression.

"We were standing near barricades, stone was pelted by them (protesters)," the injured Sub-Inspector stated.

Concerns Over Escalating Unrest

The sudden eruption of clashes at Jantar Mantar has drawn immediate comparisons to past unrest, with observers noting that the chaotic scenes mirrored the violence that previously took place during the Red Fort attack. Security remains tight around Parliament Street as authorities assess the situation and treat the injured personnel.

Security remains tight around Parliament Street as authorities assess the situation and treat the injured personnel.

The security forces used tear gas shells to disperse thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who gathered in Delhi to march to the Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session on Monday, despite police denying permission for the protest. The police also used sticks and batons to disperse the crowd, mostly youngsters, who had converged at the Jantar Mantar protest site for the "Chalo Sansad" march against alleged irregularities in NEET — the national entrance test for medical colleges — and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries as they allegedly tried to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament.

Mobile internet was also shut in parts of Central Delhi. The CJP asked its supporters to "remain calm". "Even if you've been stopped at certain points, remain calm and maintain peace. We will only win this with peace and love," the party said.

The police had denied them the permission on Sunday and banned large gatherings. They also warned that any person violating the prohibitory orders could face action. "Protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited, except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar, with prior permission," the police said in a post on X. "Delhi Police appeals to all citizens to respect the law, refrain from participating in any unauthorised gathering or march, and cooperate in maintaining public peace, safety and security," the post read.

Chaos At Delhi Metro Stations

Chaos also prevailed at several metro stations in Delhi after five metro stations, Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth, were closed over security concerns until further instructions. Hundreds of commuters were stranded or forced to take longer routes to their destinations. At Rajiv Chowk, one of the Delhi's busiest interchange metro stations, commuters were seen crowding near the closed entry and exit gates.

Prime Minister Modi Addresses Nation as Monsoon Session Kicks Off

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for constructive and productive proceedings in Parliament as the Monsoon Session commenced, asserting that debates grounded in facts and logic leave no room for disruption. "I am firmly convinced that where there are facts and logic, there is no room for a storm," the prime minister said.

Addressing the nation from outside Hans Dwar ahead of the session, PM Modi also drew a parallel between the rainy season and Parliament's Monsoon Session, calling for proactive and productive proceedings.

PM Modi also highlighted what he described as a series of major achievements recorded by India over the past month, saying they had given citizens several reasons to feel proud. "In just one month, the nation has achieved numerous milestones, a series of accomplishments that fill every citizen with pride. Be it on the national stage, the international arena, or now, even in space, these have truly been moments of pride for India," he said.