Security forces used tear gas and baton charges to disperse Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters marching toward the Parliament complex in New Delhi on Monday.
The clash marks a significant escalation in the CJP's efforts to bring their three core demands to the attention of national leadership. By attempting to breach the security perimeter of the Parliament, the group challenged the strict security protocols governing the heart of India's capital.
The "Chalo Sansad" march began at Jantar Mantar and proceeded toward the Parliament complex [4, 5]. The group included leader Sonam Wangchuk, as well as various actors and politicians [1, 2]. As the marchers approached the South Gate and areas near Kerala Bhawan and Shastri Bhawan, security forces intervened to prevent the crowd from entering the restricted zone [2, 6].
Reports indicate that police used lathis, traditional baton charges, to stop the protesters [3, 5]. Some reports state that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel carried out these charges [6], while other accounts attribute the action to Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel [3].
Violence erupted near Kerala Bhawan, where protesters reportedly breached barricades and engaged in stone pelting [6]. In response, security forces deployed tear gas to push the crowd back [1, 2]. The Prime Minister left Parliament as the march closed in amid the deployment of tear gas [1].
Delhi police also conducted arrests during the unrest. CJP officials said that Abhijeet Dipke was picked up by police from Jantar Mantar [4]. The security operation involved additional forces to maintain a perimeter around the government buildings [2].
“Security forces used tear gas and baton charges to disperse Cockroach Janta Party protesters”
The use of force against the CJP march underscores the high tension surrounding the group's three demands and the Indian government's commitment to maintaining a strict security cordon around Parliament. The involvement of multiple security agencies, including the RAF and RPF, suggests a coordinated effort to prevent any unauthorized breach of the legislative complex, regardless of the protesters' political or celebrity status.
