CJP protest turns violent again: 5 cops injured after stone pelting near Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: The situation turned tense on Wednesday evening when a group of CJP protesters allegedly moved from Jantar Mantar towards Tolstoy Marg and clashed with Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel.

According to Delhi Police, several protesters allegedly attacked security personnel with stones and bottles, injuring multiple officers. The injured included two Assistant Commissioners of Police, two inspectors and another policeman.

ACP Connaught Place Vivek Bhagat was shifted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment following the incident.

Police use tear gas to disperse crowd

Delhi Police said security teams were deployed near the protest area as part of routine arrangements when some protesters allegedly became aggressive and attacked personnel.

Officials said police attempted to calm the situation and contacted CJP organisers, asking them to appeal to protesters to maintain peace. However, authorities claimed the appeals did not stop the clashes.

The Rapid Action Force and Delhi Police later used limited force and fired two to three tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Police said the situation was brought under control after the action.

Delhi Police officials alleged that some protesters surrounded a policeman during the clashes and attempted to assault him.

Police also claimed that some individuals in the crowd were carrying sticks and traditional weapons. Authorities said anti-social elements may have joined the protest in the evening, contributing to the escalation of tensions.

CJP continues demand for talks at neutral venue

The clashes took place on the same day that the CJP reiterated its willingness to hold discussions with the government but refused to meet ministers at their residences or offices.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party was informed that Union Minister JP Nadda wanted to meet representatives at his residence. The party declined the invitation, stating that discussions should happen at Jantar Mantar or a nearby neutral location.

The CJP said it wanted a meaningful dialogue and sought an assurance from the government that no punitive action or fresh FIRs would be initiated against students and young protesters involved in the agitation.

Protest linked to NEET paper leak demands

The CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar began over demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination process.

The protest gained further attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement and began an indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk has said he would end his fast if the government provides an assurance that protesters will not face retaliatory action.

Protests spread across states

The agitation has received support from different parts of the country, with demonstrations reported in states including Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

In Patna, police used tear gas, water cannons and lathicharge to stop protesters marching towards the governor’s residence.

The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on petitions alleging excessive use of force during the protests. The court also directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other relevant records linked to the July 20 police action.

The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the police response during the protest.