‘Police threw stones, used lathis’: CJP shares protest videos; Delhi Police blames demonstrators

A political row erupted after videos from the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest in Delhi surfaced online, with the party and Delhi Police giving sharply different accounts of the tense scenes near Parliament Street on Monday.

The protest, organised over the alleged NEET exam paper leak, witnessed a confrontation between demonstrators and security personnel as CJP members attempted to march towards Parliament. Delhi Police said its personnel were injured after protesters allegedly pelted stones, while the party accused police officials of using force against a peaceful demonstration.

Several videos shared by CJP on social media showed moments from the protest, including scenes of police personnel using batons and exchanges between protesters and security forces. The party claimed the visuals showed "brutal lathi charge" and alleged that police personnel had used unnecessary force against demonstrators.

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In one post shared on X, CJP questioned the police version and wrote, "Why are the Police pelting stones at protesters? Was the brutal lathi charge not enough?"

The party shared videos claiming to show police personnel throwing stones towards protesters, followed by allegations of stone pelting during the confrontation.

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The party also released a message portraying the protest as peaceful, saying, "We believe in Ambedkar, We believe in Gandhi, We believe in Peace, We believe in Democracy! We were peaceful and we will be peaceful!"

Delhi Police denies allegations, says protesters violated law

Delhi Police, however, rejected allegations of excessive force and maintained that action was taken only to control the situation and maintain public order.

A Delhi Police Sub Inspector said that personnel were standing near barricades when stones were allegedly thrown by protesters.

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"We were standing near barricades, stone was pelted by them (protesters)," the officer said.

The police also dismissed claims that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained during the protest, calling the allegation "entirely false" and stating that he was present on the stage during the demonstration.

In a post on X, Delhi Police said reports about violence or detentions at Jantar Mantar were incorrect and urged people not to believe rumours or circulate unverified information.

"Protest is being handled professionally," the police said, adding that all participants were being requested to maintain peace and cooperate with security personnel.

CJP continues attack after police clarification

Despite the police response, CJP continued to question the official version of events and shared additional videos alleging that protesters were targeted by security personnel.

Sharing visuals of a lathi charge, the party posted a message questioning police action and accused the authorities of choosing "violence and dictatorship" instead of allowing peaceful democratic protest.

The party also shared a symbolic image showing political leaders holding batons while protesters held roses, along with a message stressing its commitment to constitutional values and non-violence.

What happened during the Sansad Chalo protest?

The demonstration was organised by CJP over allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination process. The protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, following which security arrangements were tightened in central Delhi.

The area around Parliament Street witnessed heightened security deployment as police attempted to prevent protesters from moving beyond designated areas.

The incident has now turned into a political controversy, with both sides releasing videos and statements to support their respective claims.

While Delhi Police maintains that its personnel responded to unlawful activity and attempts to breach security arrangements, CJP alleges that protesters were subjected to excessive force.