Delhi unrest intensifies over NEET row as police probe clashes and enforce tighter curbs.
New Delhi: Demonstrators continued their protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday morning, a day after clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in Delhi.
The confrontation occurred on Monday as thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including claims of NEET-UG paper leaks.
Authorities enforced restrictions and set up barricades to prevent protesters from advancing beyond the designated point.
Protesters Return to Jantar Mantar
After police removed the stage and tents at Jantar Mantar, protesters returned to the site on Tuesday. Responding to a call from the CJP to continue the demonstration, several participants began gathering at the protest venue early in the morning.
A large contingent of police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel continued to remain deployed at the site to maintain security.
Speaking to IANS, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the protest would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down.
“Our primary demand is the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, and that is why we will continue our protest at Jantar Mantar. After the brutality shown by the Delhi Police yesterday, many more people than those seen yesterday will reach Delhi. This movement will end only after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” he said.
Ranka also alleged that protesters, including women and volunteers, were assaulted during the clashes.
“You are beating our children and injuring them. Girls were assaulted, and Geetanjali ma’am, the wife of Sonam ji, was dragged by her hair. Even our volunteers, who were helping manage the protest, were beaten. It is clear that instructions were given to suppress and intimidate our children. The entire protest site has been damaged, but the agitation will now grow stronger. We will not leave until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” he added.
Over 118 Police Personnel Injured
Meanwhile, more than 118 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Police Forces were injured during what police described as “violent protests” in the national capital on Monday.
The injured personnel included senior officers, including those holding the ranks of Special Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner, who were deployed at the protest site.
In a statement shared on its X handle, the Delhi Police said: “During today’s violent protests, more than 118 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Police Forces, including Special Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner rank officers deployed on duty, sustained injuries.”
Police said the situation escalated after protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades at the protest site.
Police Assure Investigation
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar visited the hospital where the injured personnel were receiving treatment. He met the officers, reviewed their condition, and commended their efforts.
In a statement, the Commissioner said: “Every injury on the uniform bears witness to dedication to duty.”
The protest, which began at Jantar Mantar, attracted students, opposition leaders, and activists calling for greater accountability in the education system. Senior police officials have assured that a detailed investigation into the violence will be carried out.
Prohibitory orders remain in effect in sensitive areas to prevent any further escalation. The Delhi Police have appealed for calm, urging all stakeholders to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
As political and student groups continue their demonstrations, authorities have said ensuring public safety remains their top priority.
