‘Police foot on chest’: CJP chief reveals major assault allegations after Delhi march clashes

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations that a 12-year-old girl was injured during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) march towards Parliament in Delhi.

The development came after allegations of clashes between protesters and security personnel during the demonstration. The CJP claimed that several protesters, including children, were injured during the police action, while Delhi Police rejected the allegations and said claims circulating on social media were false and misleading.

The incident took place during the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” march near Parliament, which was organised to demand action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak issue. The protesters also expressed support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been continuing his hunger strike over various demands.

NHRC orders inquiry into minor’s injury allegations

Taking note of a complaint regarding the injury of a 12-year-old girl during the protest, the NHRC directed authorities to locate the child, ensure medical assistance and conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo asked officials to examine how the minor participated in the protest and identify the person responsible for bringing her to the demonstration. The commission said action should be taken under child protection laws if any violation is found.

The NHRC also directed authorities to examine allegations of alleged mistreatment of the child during the protest. If the claims are established, appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.

The commission further stated that if any information shared online regarding the incident is found to be false or misleading, legal action may be considered as per law.

CJP alleges police action during Parliament march

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation decided to call off the Parliament march after clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.

Dipke alleged that protesters, including young participants, faced excessive force during the clashes. He claimed that several people were injured and raised concerns over the safety of children who had participated in the demonstration.

He said the decision to end the march was taken to prevent further injuries among protesters.

Delhi Police denies allegations

Delhi Police denied the allegations made during the protest and said claims regarding assault on a minor and widespread serious injuries among protesters were not accurate.

Police said statements alleging that the child was assaulted or that several protesters suffered severe injuries were false. Authorities urged people not to spread unverified information.

Police officials said CCTV footage and videos from the protest locations were being examined to understand the sequence of events.

Parliament march takes place amid Monsoon Session

The protest was held during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with CJP supporters gathering near Jantar Mantar before attempting to move towards Parliament.

Security arrangements were strengthened in the area, and barricades were placed to restrict movement near Parliament Street.

As protesters attempted to proceed beyond the permitted area, clashes took place between demonstrators and security personnel. Police used tear gas and baton charges to control the situation.

More than 70 protesters were detained following the clashes. Police officials also said some security personnel sustained injuries during the incident.

Government did not hold talks during protest

The protest continued amid demands from CJP supporters for action on examination-related issues, including alleged irregularities linked to NEET-UG.

The protesters sought accountability from the government and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, no direct dialogue or meeting between government representatives and protesters took place during the demonstration.

Sonam Wangchuk continues hunger strike

Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would continue his hunger strike, which entered its 23rd day.

Wangchuk, who was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after being removed from the protest site, said he would continue the fast until youth representatives were allowed to meet parliamentarians or he was permitted to participate in discussions from the hospital.

He said he appreciated the peaceful conduct of protesters despite the clashes during the march.

Delhi Police said investigations were underway and that separate FIRs were being registered based on complaints received from different locations.

Authorities are examining CCTV footage and mobile phone recordings to establish what happened during the clashes. The NHRC inquiry will now look into the allegations surrounding the minor’s injury, the events during the protest and whether any violations of law took place.