New Delhi: Days after a video showing a senior Delhi Police officer allegedly slapping a woman protester during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar sparked widespread criticism, the officer has been removed from protest duty.

Additional DCP (North East) Sandeep Lamba has been directed to report back to his parent district and will no longer be deployed at the Jantar Mantar protest site, sources said.

The move follows intense backlash over the viral footage circulating on social media.

However, Lamba has neither been suspended nor relieved from service. There has also been no official announcement regarding the registration of an FIR or the initiation of a departmental inquiry against him.

Responding to reporters after the incident, without commenting on the viral video, Lamba claimed he was injured during the clashes.

Speaking to IANS, he said a stone struck his knee, his uniform was torn, and he suffered a blunt injury that resulted in a crack.

The controversy stems from large-scale protests that broke out on July 20, when supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), students and activists marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.

The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak.

The demonstrations turned violent, prompting heavy police deployment. Delhi Police has said the incidents of violence are being investigated and security has been tightened in and around the protest zone to prevent further unrest.

Fresh clashes were reported on Wednesday evening near Tolstoy Marg in the Connaught Place area, where police alleged that miscreants pelted stones and bottles at security personnel. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat sustained injuries during the incident, according to officials.