New Delhi: The founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, on Sunday appealed to authorities not to cut off water supply to public restrooms at Jantar Mantar, where protesters spent the night demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.

“I request the authorities not to cut off the water supply to the restrooms at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Since last night there’s no water supply at the public restrooms,” Dipke said on Sunday morning.

The protest, which began on Saturday afternoon, continued beyond the permitted hours despite repeated requests from Delhi Police to vacate the site. Protesters maintained that they would not leave until Pradhan resigns.

Earlier, the CJP alleged that Delhi Police had switched off lights at the protest venue and restricted access to water, food and washrooms. Protesters later said water access was restored and lights were switched back on.

The demonstration was organised a day ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination and drew hundreds of participants, largely students and young people. The stage carried banners reading “Peaceful protest, Dharmendra Pradhan must resign,” while another paid tribute to NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak controversy and cancellation of the examination.

Police had granted permission for the protest only between 10 am and 5 pm. However, protesters remained at the venue well into the night, prompting authorities to issue announcements around 9.30 pm directing them to disperse.

In a letter issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi district, police stated that continuation of the protest beyond the approved time was “illegal” and violated the conditions under which permission had been granted. Authorities also warned organisers of possible legal action.

Dipke, who renewed his demand for Pradhan's resignation, was joined by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who announced plans to begin a hunger strike on June 27 if the minister does not step down.

The CJP founder also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of those who died by suicide.

Hundreds of protesters responded to Dipke’s call to bring “thali and chammach” to the venue, beating utensils and chanting slogans against the education minister.

“If banging plates could drive away corona, then banging plates can drive away Dharmendra Pradhan too,” Dipke said.

Around 4 pm, Dipke asked supporters whether they wished to end the demonstration or continue “till Pradhan resigns.” A majority backed continuing the sit-in, following which he announced the protest would continue.

“I request Delhi Police authorities, since youth are here from all over the country, they want to continue the sit-in. The protest has been peaceful. We request Delhi Police to extend our permission. We are just innocent students,” he said.

Police, however, declined the request.

Addressing the gathering, Dipke said he was willing to be arrested if authorities chose to act against the protesters.

“If there are arrests, I will be the first to court arrest,” he told supporters.

He also criticised communal politics, saying, “Has Hindu-Muslim politics helped you? Has it stopped paper leaks? What are you getting? Only one party is benefiting.”

Wangchuk, who has previously participated in CJP demonstrations, urged sustained public engagement with the issue.

“Simply banging plates will not solve anything. When I sit on a fast, I hope you will stand with me,” he said.

“We are demanding accountability from a minister who has clearly made mistakes. There should be accountability, and if required, there should be mass resignations,” he added.

Supporters wore cockroach masks and carried placards bearing messages including “If the deaf are to hear, the sound has to be very loud” and “Sack Union Education Minister”.

The latest demonstration marks the second protest organised by the CJP at Jantar Mantar this month, following a similar agitation on June 6. Ahead of Saturday’s event, Dipke had also written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding accountability over concerns raised by students regarding examination irregularities.