Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), said Delhi Police beat and detained him during a police action at Jantar Mantar.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Indian security forces and civil activists over the right to protest and the use of force during detentions.
Dipke said the police used force against protesters and unnecessarily detained them [1, 2]. According to Dipke, the police also assaulted two student volunteers [2] who were in the process of setting up a library at the protest site. He said books were thrown away during the confrontation [2].
"They beat us and put us under detention," Dipke said [2].
The police action occurred as authorities moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a medical facility. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for 21 days [2] before the transfer. Police officials said the move was necessary because Wangchuk's health was deteriorating [2].
A spokesperson for the Delhi Police said the action was carried out following Delhi High Court directions, and on medical advice [2].
Dipke continues to level charges against the police, saying that the force used was unnecessary and targeted those supporting Wangchuk's cause [1, 2]. The confrontation took place at the Jantar Mantar site, a traditional hub for political demonstrations in Delhi [1].
“"They beat us and put us under detention"”
The conflict between the Delhi Police and the Cockroach Janata Party reflects a broader legal and social struggle in India regarding the limits of police power during peaceful protests. While the police cite judicial mandates and medical necessity to justify their actions, the allegations of assault against student volunteers and the destruction of educational materials suggest a volatile environment for civil disobedience at Jantar Mantar.
