Thousands of students, activists and supporters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Monday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched its proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest, demanding action over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstration took place amid tight security arrangements across the national capital on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, but police stopped them at multiple barricades along the designated route.
Delhi Police Denies Using Force Against Protesters
As videos and reports of alleged police action surfaced on social media, the Delhi Police rejected claims that it had carried out a lathicharge or used excessive force against demonstrators.
In a statement posted on X, the police said, “Some segments from media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detentions at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place, and the protest is being handled professionally.”
Police also appealed to the public not to believe rumours or misinformation and urged everyone to cooperate in maintaining law and order.
Protesters, Security Personnel Face Off at Barricades
Despite the police statement, tense scenes unfolded near the protest site as demonstrators tried to move beyond barricaded areas. Security personnel, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams, were deployed to prevent the crowd from advancing towards Parliament.
Eyewitnesses claimed police used batons to disperse protesters after some participants attempted to cross barricades. Authorities, however, maintained that the situation remained under control and denied using excessive force.
March to Parliament Not Permitted
Police officials said the protesters had not been granted permission to march up to Parliament. According to security sources, demonstrators would only be allowed to assemble up to the Kerala Bhavan area, with no movement permitted beyond the barricaded zone.
To avoid any disruption during the Monsoon Session, around 10,000 police and security personnel were deployed across key locations, including Parliament, Jantar Mantar and other sensitive areas in central Delhi.
Authorities also enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of the New Delhi district.
Five Metro Stations Temporarily Closed
In view of the security arrangements, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth Metro stations until further notice.
Officials said the closures were implemented as a precautionary measure to manage crowds and ensure public safety during the large-scale protest.
The demonstration comes days after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been participating in the agitation, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following concerns over his health after a prolonged hunger strike.
Q1. Why was the Chalo Sansad protest organised?
The protest was organised to demand accountability over alleged NEET examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Q2. Did Delhi Police use lathicharge on protesters?
Delhi Police denied reports of lathicharge or excessive force, stating that the protest was being handled professionally.
Q3. Why were Metro stations closed in Delhi?
Five Metro stations were temporarily closed as a precautionary security measure due to the large protest and the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Q4. Was the march to Parliament allowed?
No. Police said permission had not been granted for the march to Parliament, and protesters were stopped at designated barricades.
Q5. Why was security increased in Delhi?
Security was tightened because of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and the planned Chalo Sansad protest.
