Thousands of CJP protesters marching towards Parliament were stopped by Delhi Police during the Monsoon Session, with police urging peace as protesters alleged excessive use of forceTensions escalated in central Delhi on Monday after Delhi Police stopped thousands of protesters associated with the CJP march heading towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Police appealed for peace and lawful conduct, while protesters and opposition leaders alleged the use of tear gas, baton charges and mass detentions. Several claims circulating on social media, including allegations of network jammers and journalists being forced to delete videos, remain unverified and have not been independently confirmed.
New Delhi: Security was tightened across central Delhi on Monday as thousands of protesters associated with the CJP attempted to march towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.
The demonstration coincided with the first day of the Parliament Monsoon Session, prompting Delhi Police to impose extensive security measures around Parliament Street and nearby areas.
Delhi Police Appeals for Peace and Public Order
Ahead of and during the protest, Delhi Police appealed to demonstrators to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement personnel deployed in the area.
In an official statement, Additional Commissioner of Police (PRO) Rajeev Ranjan urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid unlawful activities.
"Delhi Police appeals to all protesters to maintain peace, exercise restraint and cooperate with the police in ensuring peace and public order. Participants are requested to refrain from any unlawful or violent activities and comply with lawful directions issued by police personnel on duty," Rajeev Ranjan said.
Police also advised the public not to circulate rumours or unverified content on social media.
"The public is advised not to believe or circulate rumours, misinformation or unverified content. Citizens should rely only on authentic sources of information," the statement added.
Tear Gas, Baton Charge and Detentions Reported
According to PTI, Delhi Police used tear gas shells and carried out baton charges on Parliament Street after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament.
Several protesters were reportedly injured during the police action, while many participants were detained.
Among those detained was CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, according to organisers. Protesters also claimed that a young woman broke down in tears following the police action.
The demonstrations have since triggered solidarity protests in several parts of the country.
Social Media Claims Remain Unverified
Multiple videos and claims circulated on social media alleging that police personnel forced journalists to delete video recordings, snatched a YouTuber's microphone and deployed network jammers around Jantar Mantar.
NewsFlash Daily has not independently verified these claims, and Delhi Police had not issued any official response regarding these specific allegations at the time of publication.
Social media also reflected divided public opinion. While some users criticised the police action and demanded the resignation of the Education Minister, others expressed support for Delhi Police, stating that officers were carrying out their responsibility to maintain law and order.
CJP Reiterates Demand for Education Minister's Resignation
Following discussions with government representatives, CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said the organisation's demands had been conveyed to the Centre.
According to Das, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured the delegation that the demands would be discussed at the appropriate level but did not provide any commitment.
"The demands have been conveyed, including the immediate resignation or removal of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far," Sourav Das said.
The organisation stated that its protest would continue until its demands are addressed.
Political Reactions Continue
Opposition leaders criticised the police action and questioned the government's handling of the protest. They also referred to the recent removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site on July 18 while accusing the government of suppressing peaceful demonstrations.
Authorities have not announced any further action regarding the protesters' demands, and the situation remained under close monitoring as Parliament proceedings continued.
