Delhi Police and other security forces struggled to control thousands of protesters who gathered near Jantar Mantar on Monday. A senior government official said authorities felt surprised after crowds overwhelmed security arrangements and advanced towards Parliament.
Despite multiple barricades, nearly 3,000 security personnel and an Internet shutdown failed to contain protesters. Mostly students and young people breached barricades before police fired tear gas and launched baton charges. The largely “leaderless” protesters marched from Jantar Mantar towards Raisina Marg with little initial resistance. The Hindu witnessed protesters filling every road leading towards Parliament as they dismantled barricades while advancing. Police deployed buses to block the march approximately 100 metres from the Parliament complex. The protest began after the online youth group Cockroach Janta Party called for a Parliament march.
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Police Use Tear Gas, Baton Charges After Protesters Breach Barricades
The group demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET-UG examination paper leak. Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s forcible removal from the protest stage on July 18 intensified public anger. Wangchuk had completed twenty days of hunger strike before police removed him during an early morning operation. Hundreds subsequently joined the demonstration, expressing solidarity with Wangchuk and opposition to government handling. Government intelligence officials warned authorities Sunday that protest numbers were rapidly increasing around Jantar Mantar. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sharma then contacted protesters and offered meetings with senior government representatives. After protesters rejected several proposals, they requested discussions with a Union Cabinet Minister.
Health Minister J.P. Nadda subsequently met the delegation and received their written petition later Monday. Meanwhile, senior NDA Ministers held discussions inside Parliament as protests continued outside the complex. A government official said police initially received instructions to avoid force against protesters. However, police fired tear gas and charged protesters with batons after they breached barricades. The official also alleged political parties helped mobilise protesters from Delhi and neighbouring States. Many demonstrators reportedly travelled from Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region and Uttar Pradesh to join Monday’s protest. Nitish, a police aspirant from Azamgarh, said protesters advanced freely after breaching the first barricade.
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