Delhi Police Crack Down After Violent CJP Protest; FIRs Registered Over Attack on Officials, Stone Pelting, Vandalism

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered an FIR against ‘unidentified individuals’ at the Connaught Place Police Station following the violence and vehicle vandalism that erupted during Monday's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest march in the capital, which was held to demand accountability over the NEET paper leak, according to reports.

According to sources, officials have registered FIRs at the Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 

The charges include rioting, vandalism, damage to public property, obstructing government employees from discharging their duties, and snatching police gear such as jackets and helmets during the Jantar Mantar protest.

What cops said

According to police, miscreants allegedly vandalised police vehicles and pelted stones at a police team near Regal Cinema in the Outer Circle of Connaught Place. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

The complaint comes on the heels of Monday's protests, during which authorities reported that over 118 police personnel- including multiple senior officers- sustained injuries and 70 demonstrators were detained.

Cops release footage

On Monday, Police released footage showing stone pelting in the Connaught Place area. In the video, a group of youth was seen pelting stones from behind police barricades or by stepping close to it. The Police appealed to all protestors to maintain peace, exercise restraint and cooperate with the police in ensuring peace and public order.

"All participants are requested to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, refrain from indulging in any unlawful or violent activities and comply with the lawful directions issued by police officers/personnel deployed on duty," Delhi Police said in a post on X.

The police also advised people not to believe or circulate rumours, misinformation or unverified content through any platform.

"Citizens are requested to rely only on authentic sources of information and extend their cooperation to Delhi Police in maintaining peace, harmony and public order," the post added.

'Sansad Chalo March'

Notably, the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament descended into violence in New Delhi, prompting police to use tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the crowd.

In addition, as the demonstration lacked the necessary permission to take place near Parliament Street, police moved in to stop the advance. Security forces deployed tear gas and resorted to a lathi-charge (baton-charge) after protesters allegedly tried to breach the barricades.

In retaliation, demonstrators began pelting stones at the officers stationed along the defensive lines. The standoff quickly spilled over onto several approach roads, continuing well into the evening before police successfully brought the situation under control.

What Delhi Police Said

The Delhi Police issued a statement accusing CJP protesters of exhibiting aggressive, violent, and unruly conduct by assaulting security personnel, vandalizing public property, and damaging government vehicles during Monday's protest by CJP in the New Delhi area, as per reports.

"During today's protest by CJP in the New Delhi area, the protesters displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour. Despite repeated warnings and lawful directions issued by the police, they refused to disperse and deliberately violated the prohibitory orders in force," the police said in the statement.

"During the scuffle, around 60 protesters were also reported to get injured. The medico-legal examination (MLC) of the remaining injured police personnel is underway," stated reports.

Police reported that the young demonstrators also inflicted widespread damage on public property.

Masked rioters to be identified

To identify the perpetrators, the police are also conducting an in-depth investigation using CCTV and mobile phone footage. Law enforcement personnel are fully engaged in tracking down the accused based on all available digital evidence.

Republic Bharat has accessed the specific videos that the police are currently using to identify the rioters. The police have secured approximately 40 similar video clips from the scene. The footage reveals that most of the rioters had intentionally covered their faces with handkerchiefs and clothes to hide their identities while they were captured actively breaking through the police barricades.

Situation at ground yesterday

The situation on ground deteriorated rapidly yesterday, resulting in injuries to dozens of officers who were subsequently shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. 

Visuals from the ground captured the intense moments when the crowd turned on law enforcement. The footage further showed injured policemen, some with bleeding noses and head wounds, and others already wrapped in bandages, resolutely remaining on the frontline to fulfill their duties.

Following the clashes, security has been heavily intensified at key locations across the New Delhi district, and formal legal action has been initiated against those involved in the unrest.

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