Mohammad Junaid, a volunteer who became known for running a food distribution effort during the CJP protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, has alleged that he was detained and questioned by police. He has also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from protest leaders, while police and CJP have rejected or disputed some claims.
Mohammad Junaid, a resident of Nahal village in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, emerged as one of the most recognisable volunteers during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Unlike the main speakers and organisers, Junaid worked behind the scenes by arranging food, tea, drinking water and snacks for hundreds of protesters who stayed at the protest site during the long-running agitation over alleged examination irregularities.
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His food distribution effort made him popular among protesters and supporters online. CJP leaders had earlier acknowledged the role played by volunteers like Junaid in sustaining the protest, which continued for several weeks.
Junaid alleges detention and questioning by police
Junaid has alleged that he was picked up by police personnel on Friday night while returning from RML Hospital after receiving treatment for a dog bite.
According to his claim, he and a friend were stopped by people who identified themselves as Delhi Police personnel. He alleged that he was questioned, blindfolded and taken away.
Junaid claimed he remained blindfolded through the night and was questioned the next morning about the source of funding for the food distribution and how he managed to arrange large quantities of meals for protesters.
He alleged that he was later taken to Mussoorie and left there, after which he returned to Delhi by cab on Saturday.
Delhi Police said they were looking into his allegations.
Junaid questions support from CJP leaders
After the protest ended, Junaid expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of communication and support from CJP leaders.
Speaking about his contribution to the protest, he said he expected members of the organisation to reach out after the difficulties faced by him and his family.
Junaid said he spent more than a month providing meals to protesters and felt emotionally connected to those he supported. He expressed sadness that he did not receive the level of acknowledgement or personal contact he expected from the leadership.
CJP denies rumours and says it supports Junaid
The CJP responded to claims circulating about Junaid, saying that reports suggesting he had been abandoned were false.
In a statement, the organisation said Junaid was safe, receiving legal assistance and had also attended a volunteers' gathering. It said any issues related to his situation were addressed promptly and that the group continued to respect and support him.
The organisation also urged people not to spread misinformation or hate.
Junaid has also alleged that his family faced pressure linked to his involvement in the protest. He claimed that police action affected his family and that legal issues followed during the agitation.
He further alleged that his home was searched and family members were questioned. These claims have not been independently verified, and authorities have denied allegations of wrongdoing.
The larger CJP protest movement
The controversy involving Junaid comes after weeks of protests led by the CJP over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
The movement gained national attention after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and undertook a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The agitation continued for several weeks and became a major political issue, with Opposition parties raising questions over examination reforms and the government's response.
The protest eventually ended after discussions between representatives and the government, with the issue leading to wider debates over transparency in India's examination system.
While Junaid was not a formal leader of the movement, his role as a volunteer providing essential support became one of the most visible aspects of the protest.
His allegations against police and his concerns about support from CJP leaders have now added a new layer to the debate surrounding the movement, raising questions about the experiences of grassroots volunteers who sustained the protest on the ground.
Published: 27 Jul 2026, 05:27 pm IST
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