Security Forces Use Batons and Tear Gas on Cockroach Janta Party Protesters

Security forces resorted to a baton charge and fired tear gas shells on Monday after thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades during their 'Sansad Chalo' march towards Parliament.

Protesters tried to push through multiple security barricades in the high-security zone around 11.25 am, leading to a scuffle in which some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries. Around 10-15 protesters were detained, they added.

The situation escalated near Shastri Bhawan, where security personnel used tear gas after protesters allegedly tried to force their way towards Jantar Mantar. As a precaution, access to nearby metro stations was restricted and several station gates were closed, leaving many commuters stranded.

Security was stepped up across central Delhi and around the Parliament complex, with several entry gates shut and Delhi Police, paramilitary personnel and plainclothes officers deployed in large numbers as the Monsoon Session began. Authorities had also carried out security drills ahead of the march. According to a Delhi Police advisory, protest marches, processions and gatherings of five or more people are prohibited except at the designated protest site at Jantar Mantar with prior permission.

The CJP had called the 'Sansad Chalo' march to press for examination reforms, drawing thousands of supporters to Jantar Mantar.

Meanwhile, CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka left to meet Union Health Minister J P Nadda after the government reached out for talks earlier in the day. In a post on X, Das said the party remained open to dialogue but claimed there was still no clarity from the administration on addressing its demands, adding that "the ball is in their court."

Separately, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his indefinite hunger strike at the request of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after his own 21-day fast. Wangchuk urged hospital authorities to discharge him, saying his health had stabilised and requesting permission to temporarily leave the hospital to join the march.

New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, however, said Delhi Police had not used force against the protesters.

In a statement posted on X, Delhi Police said reports of violence or detentions by its personnel at Jantar Mantar were incorrect and that the protest was being handled professionally. It urged the public not to believe rumours and to cooperate in maintaining peace and public order.