Chalo Sansad Protest: Over 70 Detained As March Towards Parliament Turns Violent

After nearly a month-long sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar saw chaotic developments as the  Cockroach Janata Party’s call for ‘Chalo Sansad’ on 20th July turned violent.

Protesters demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak attempted to march towards the Parliament before Delhi Police lathi-charged and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The confrontation began in the forenoon when protesters tried to take their demand to Parliament from Jantar Mantar.

Police had earlier said the organisers neither sought nor received permission for the march.

Delhi Police detained more than 70 people, registered multiple FIRs and said at least 50 police personnel sustained injuries during the demonstration.

According to the police, protesters breached barricades, following which security personnel used mild force to stop them from advancing towards the high-security zone.

The clashes left several protesters injured, while police said at least 50 of its personnel also sustained injuries.

Officials said CCTV footage and mobile phone videos are being examined to identify those allegedly involved in the violence, and separate FIRs are being registered based on complaints received from different locations.

Ahead of the planned Chalo Sansad march, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily closed entry and exit gates at Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth Metro stations as a precautionary measure as thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar.

Later in the day, Delhi Police appealed to CJP supporters to continue their demonstrations peacefully and cooperate with law enforcement.

On Sunday, New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma had stated that the CJP had neither applied for nor received permission to march towards Parliament.

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