Delhi Police fired tear-gas shells on Monday to disperse Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters attempting to march toward the Parliament building [1].
The confrontation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the CJP and the government as the party seeks redress for alleged legal injustices. The clash occurred near the Central Secretariat metro station and Jantar Mantar, areas typically under heavy security during parliamentary sessions [2].
According to reports, more than 50 police officers were injured during the unrest [3]. Protesters also damaged several police vehicles [3]. The police deployment aimed to prevent the crowd from reaching the legislative seat during the current session [4].
"We used tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd," a Delhi Police spokesperson said [5].
The CJP organized the march to present specific demands to Parliament, alleging a miscarriage of justice regarding its supporters [6]. An opposition leader said the protest is a response to a miscarriage of justice [7].
Confusion remained regarding the status of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. A CJP spokesperson said that Dipke had been "picked up" by police earlier in the day [2]. However, the Delhi Police said via X that Abhijeet Dipke had not been detained [2].
Security forces maintained a heavy presence in New Delhi throughout the day to prevent further breaches of the security perimeter around the Parliament building [1].
“"We used tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd."”
The use of force against the Cockroach Janta Party highlights the volatility of current political demonstrations in New Delhi. By attempting to bypass security perimeters to reach Parliament, the CJP is testing the limits of public assembly laws, while the police response indicates a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized marches near government installations during active sessions.
