Delhi police used lathi baton charges against supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Monday.
The escalation highlights growing tensions between civil activists and the government over demands for accountability regarding alleged paper leaks. The clash occurred as protesters attempted to march toward Parliament, a move for which police had denied permission [1].
According to reports, the police response involved forceful charges to disperse the crowd [1]. The CJP said that the arrival of an ambulance at the scene nearly caused a stampede among the gathered supporters [2].
Amidst the unrest, activist Sonam Wangchuk has remained on an indefinite hunger strike for over 20 days [2]. While Wangchuk continues his fast, another protester, Abhijeet Dipke, ended his own hunger strike during the events [2].
Members of the CJP said they were headed to meet with Union Minister J.P. Nadda [2]. The group maintains that their presence at Jantar Mantar is necessary to secure transparency, and justice for students affected by examination irregularities [1].
Police officials said that the force was necessary because the march lacked the required legal authorization [1]. The standoff at Jantar Mantar remains a focal point for those demanding systemic reform in the national examination process.
“Police used lathi baton charges against supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party”
The use of force at Jantar Mantar signals a hardening of the government's stance against public demonstrations regarding academic integrity and paper leaks. By restricting the march to Parliament and utilizing lathi charges, the state is prioritizing the maintenance of order over the protesters' demands for accountability. The continued hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk adds a layer of urgency and visibility to the movement, potentially drawing more national attention to the alleged systemic failures in the examination system.
