Members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) marched to the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi on Friday, demanding further action in connection with the alleged assault on Sanjay Kumar, the father of CJP activist Nishu Azad, during a protest at Jantar Mantar.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das and co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka were among those who reached the police station with supporters. The protest followed the circulation of a podcast video in which Swatantra Bhardwaj, one of the people named in the case, appeared to describe his involvement in the June confrontation. Bhardwaj has subsequently maintained that he acted in self-defence. 

CJP Questions Police Action

CJP leaders have questioned why stronger sections were not added to the case and why Bhardwaj was not arrested after the video surfaced.

Das alleged that the police were reluctant to take further action despite what he described as an admission in the viral video. The organisation has demanded a fresh examination of the case and action against those it alleges were responsible for the assault.

The allegations made by CJP have not been accepted by Delhi Police, which has maintained that the investigation was conducted according to law.

What Happened at Jantar Mantar?

The dispute relates to a confrontation during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on June 23. Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad and father of activist Nishu Azad, sustained an injury to his head during the incident.

According to Delhi Police, Kumar was injured by a metal bracelet, or kada, worn by one of the people involved in the scuffle. He was taken to RML Hospital for medical examination.

Police have specifically rejected claims circulating on social media that Kumar suffered a fractured or “cracked” skull, saying the medical-legal report described the injury as simple in nature. 

Viral Podcast Triggers Fresh Row

The issue returned to the spotlight after a podcast featuring Swatantra Bhardwaj circulated widely on social media.

In the video, Bhardwaj appeared to claim that he had struck Sanjay Kumar and discussed the severity of the injury and the fact that he did not spend time in jail. His comments triggered criticism from CJP members and opposition leaders.

However, Bhardwaj later gave a different account, saying the incident was an act of self-defence. He claimed that he had been surrounded by 10 to 15 people and that he acted because he feared he could be seriously harmed. These claims remain part of the competing versions surrounding the incident. 

Delhi Police Says Legal Action Taken

Delhi Police has said that the case was registered at Parliament Street Police Station on the basis of Sanjay Kumar's complaint.

Police said Swatantra Bhardwaj, 21, and another person, Suraj Kumar, 24, were detained at the protest site and subsequently questioned. Notices were served during the investigation, and police said legal action had been taken according to the applicable procedure.

The police have also rejected allegations of political interference in the handling of the case and said a chargesheet would be filed before the competent court. 

Rahul Gandhi Backs Nishu Azad

The controversy has also drawn political attention after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed support for Nishu Azad on social media.

Gandhi said he stood with Nishu and alleged that she was being targeted for raising issues concerning her community and students. His intervention added a political dimension to the dispute over the police investigation.

CJP members have also linked the latest protest to their broader campaign over the treatment of students during demonstrations in Delhi. 

CJP Seeks Stronger Investigation

The organisation has called for stricter action against those it alleges were responsible for the assault and has questioned the police's decision not to invoke more serious provisions at this stage.

For the police, however, the case remains an investigation in which the medical evidence and statements of those involved will determine the applicable legal provisions.

The latest march has therefore brought the June Jantar Mantar incident back into public focus, with CJP demanding stronger police action while Delhi Police maintains that the case has been handled according to established procedure. The competing claims are likely to remain central until further investigation or court proceedings establish the facts.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka has demanded action against those allegedly involved in violence during the party workers’ visit to a government school in Jaipur’s Rampura-Kanwarpura village. Ranka said the Rajasthan government should act on the FIRs filed in connection with the incident and insisted that anyone found responsible should face legal action. 

Ranka said the party was prepared to face action if its own members were found to have indulged in violence, but maintained that any such action should be based on evidence. He also said the CJP had publicly shared evidence related to the incident. The dispute reportedly began when CJP workers visited the government school as part of the party’s campaign highlighting problems with school infrastructure and education facilities. The visit was followed by a confrontation with local residents, with allegations of assault and violence involving party workers. 

CJP Raises Two Demands

Following the incident, the CJP raised two main demands. The first was the improvement and reconstruction of the affected government school, while the second was action against those allegedly responsible for the violence.

According to Ranka, the government has agreed to the reconstruction demand, with work scheduled to begin from September 1 and ₹18 lakh allocated for the project. He said the second demand—action in connection with the alleged violence—remains with the government. 

‘We Will Not Back Down’

Ranka said the party would continue pressing the government on the issue and rejected any suggestion that the CJP would withdraw its demand for action.

He said the party would not retreat until the matter was addressed, referring to its previous experience of protests at Jantar Mantar. Ranka also urged the Rajasthan government to concentrate on improving government schools instead of allowing the dispute to remain focused on political confrontation and allegations of violence. 

The CJP spokesperson said better school infrastructure should remain the priority because it directly affects students and their future. He added that the party would continue visiting government schools across Rajasthan to assess their condition and raise education-related issues.

CJP Plans More School Visits

The party is scheduled to travel to Jodhpur for an event related to education policy and is expected to continue its outreach in districts across western Rajasthan.

Ranka also addressed questions about a photograph showing him with Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully. He said meetings or photographs with political leaders should not automatically be interpreted as an indication of political affiliation. He cited his previous interaction with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma while submitting a memorandum related to floods in Dholpur. 

For now, the dispute remains centred on the two issues raised by the CJP after the Rampura-Kanwarpura school incident—improving the school’s infrastructure and ensuring action against those allegedly responsible for the violence.

A visit by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka to inspect a government primary school in Jaipur's Rampura Kanwarpura village turned contentious on Friday after his team was allegedly confronted and driven away by local residents.

According to the information available, Ranka and his associates reached the school in the Bagru area as part of a planned inspection of government schools. The CJP alleged that members of the group were assaulted and that stones were pelted at them during the confrontation.

The incident has triggered a political dispute, with CJP accusing BJP supporters of violence while local residents and BJP workers denied attacking the visiting team.

School Inspection Turns Confrontational

The CJP had planned to visit two government schools in Jaipur on Friday. Party workers reportedly reached the Rampura Kanwarpura school at around 8 am, while Ranka and his associates arrived later in the morning.

The school building has reportedly been declared unsafe because of its dilapidated condition. Classes are currently being conducted at a temporary location nearby.

As the CJP team arrived, local residents allegedly forced the activists to leave the area. Villagers subsequently staged a protest outside the school and raised slogans against the party.

A tractor-trolley was also reportedly positioned on the main road leading to the village, temporarily blocking access.

Villagers Reject Allegations

Local residents and BJP workers opposed the CJP team's visit, saying they did not want an outside political organisation to intervene in the school's affairs.

They claimed that the government had already sanctioned funds for repairing the school building and that the work would be undertaken through the local political leadership.

Villager Jugal Kishore Sharma denied that residents had assaulted the CJP team. He alleged instead that a large number of people had accompanied the party and claimed that a vehicle belonging to the group was damaged during the confrontation.

The allegations from both sides could not be independently verified from the information provided.

School Building in Poor Condition

The dispute has also drawn attention to the condition of the government primary school.

The original school building has reportedly been closed after becoming structurally unsafe. Iron supports have been installed around parts of the structure, while students have been shifted to a temporary arrangement approximately 50 metres away.

According to the available details, children are currently studying under a tin shed in a structure that was previously used as a cattle enclosure. Animal fodder is reportedly stored nearby, while portions of the building have suffered damage, including fallen bricks.

The condition of the school became one of the central issues highlighted by the CJP during its inspection campaign.

Ranka Accuses BJP Workers

Following the confrontation, Ranka accused BJP workers of attacking his team and described the incident as a serious law-and-order issue.

He alleged that the incident took place at the behest of Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar and demanded action against those responsible.

Ranka also issued a 48-hour ultimatum, saying the party would intensify its movement if the alleged attackers were not arrested and the restrictions on its activities were not withdrawn.

CJP Targets Rajasthan Government

The CJP later posted its allegations on social media, claiming that its members were attacked while raising concerns about school facilities.

The party questioned the Rajasthan Police's response and alleged that BJP workers were openly engaging in violence.

The CJP said the incident demonstrated a deterioration in law and order in the state and vowed to continue raising issues concerning government schools.

Political Dispute Escalates

The incident has added a political dimension to concerns over the condition of government schools in the area.

While the CJP says its visit was aimed at highlighting inadequate facilities for students, local residents maintain that the school repair process has already been sanctioned and that political outsiders should not interfere.

With both sides making competing allegations, the immediate focus is likely to remain on whether any formal police complaint is registered and whether authorities investigate the alleged assault and stone-pelting.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a nationwide campaign to push for better basic facilities in government schools across rural India, calling on parents to conduct social audits and village heads to take responsibility for improving school infrastructure.

The campaign, which is scheduled to begin on August 15, will focus on facilities such as drinking water, electricity, functional toilets and mid-day meals. Dipke said the initiative would begin from his village in Hingoli, Maharashtra, where he plans to approach the village head and seek improvements at government schools.

Campaign to Begin on August 15

Announcing the initiative on Monday, Dipke said Independence Day should be used as an opportunity to address issues affecting children in rural areas.

He argued that while major public infrastructure projects have been developed over the years, government schools in villages have continued to face shortages of basic facilities.

“The coming 15th August is our 80th Independence Day. But, if anything has been neglected or ignored the most in the last 80 years, it is the government schools in our villages,” Dipke said in a video message.

He questioned why children of farmers and labourers should not have access to schools with facilities comparable to those available in cities.

Focus on Basic School Facilities

As part of the campaign, CJP has appealed to sarpanches across the country to inspect and improve government schools in their respective villages.

Dipke highlighted issues such as children having to travel long distances to reach schools and the lack of basic amenities once they arrive.

He particularly pointed to the absence of drinking water and toilets, which can create additional difficulties for girl students.

“I feel that on this 15th August, if we should pay attention to anything, if we should make a new start, we should start by improving our government schools,” he said.

CJP Launches ‘Sarpanch Challenge’

The organisation has also announced what it calls a “Sarpanch Challenge”, under which village heads who improve government schools will be publicly recognised.

According to the campaign plan, CJP will share before-and-after photographs of schools on its social media platforms and give credit to the sarpanches responsible for the improvements.

Dipke said the idea was to encourage other village leaders to follow successful examples.

“We will give you credit so that after seeing you, after seeing the schools that you have improved, many other village heads also start improving schools in their villages,” he said.

Parents Asked to Conduct Social Audits

The campaign also proposes a citizen-led social audit of government schools.

Parents whose children attend government schools have been asked to visit the institutions and check whether essential facilities are available. The proposed audit will cover electricity, clean drinking water, functional washrooms and mid-day meals.

Dipke urged parents to document shortcomings through photographs and videos.

The CJP said it would soon release a printable audit form that citizens can use to record facilities available at their children's schools and those that are missing. The organisation plans to share the form through links accompanying its campaign videos.

Campaign Targets Rural Education Gap

The initiative aims to draw attention to differences in school infrastructure between rural and urban areas.

Dipke said children from farming and working-class families should have access to adequate educational facilities in their own villages.

“If not, you make videos of it. Because your children's schooling should be good. That is your fundamental right,” he said.

The campaign will also rely on public participation, with citizens encouraged to document problems and submit information to the organisation.

CJP’s Shift Towards Youth Movement

The school campaign comes as CJP continues to develop its activities after beginning as an online satirical platform and later expanding its presence through street-level protests.

The organisation's 36-day agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over examination-related irregularities ended on July 25 following the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Earlier this month, CJP held a two-day strategy meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, where it decided to continue as a youth movement rather than enter electoral politics.

The organisation has also announced its “Kya Bolti Public?” campaign as part of a proposed nationwide outreach programme.

Dipke has previously urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his Independence Day address to speak specifically to the country's youth.

Concluding his latest campaign announcement, Dipke appealed to citizens to collectively work towards improving village schools and described the initiative with the message: “Real India lives in villages.”

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his Independence Day address to directly address concerns among India's youth, particularly on education, unemployment and rising inflation.

In a post on X on Friday, Dipke called on the Prime Minister to outline the government's plans and measures aimed at addressing issues affecting young people.

"We request the Prime Minister to explain what steps the government is taking for the youth on issues of education, unemployment and rising inflation," Dipke said in the post.

He also shared a link to an online petition and appealed to people who supported the campaign to sign it.

According to the information shared by the party, the petition had received more than 32,000 signatures by 4 am on Saturday. The link directs users to the CJP website, where they can participate in the campaign.

Focus on Youth Issues

Dipke's appeal comes ahead of Independence Day on August 15, when the Prime Minister traditionally addresses the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi.

The CJP founder has sought a specific focus on issues that directly affect young Indians, including employment opportunities, access to education and the rising cost of living.

The party has increasingly positioned youth-related concerns at the centre of its political activities.

‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign

CJP has also announced plans to launch a nationwide public outreach campaign called 'Kya Bolti Public' from September.

Dipke announced the campaign during a media interaction in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, on Thursday.

Under the campaign, party representatives plan to travel to villages and cities and interact with young people to understand their concerns.

According to Dipke, unemployment and expensive education will be among the major issues highlighted during the outreach programme.

The campaign is expected to provide the party with an opportunity to engage directly with voters and gather public feedback on issues affecting different communities.

Protest Over NEET Issue

CJP has also been active in protests concerning the NEET-UG examination controversy.

Dipke and members of the party staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for 36 consecutive days, from June 20 to July 25.

The protest focused on allegations surrounding irregularities and the NEET examination system.

The party announced the conclusion of its protest on July 25 following the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP had demanded greater accountability and reforms in the examination system, particularly over concerns affecting medical aspirants.

Party Expands Organisation

The CJP also announced the formation of its National Working Committee on Thursday.

The party said it plans to establish state coordination committees along with Lok Sabha-level and city-level organisational units across the country over the next six months.

The move is part of an effort to expand the party's organisational presence beyond its existing base.

Political Outreach Ahead

The combination of the Independence Day appeal, the petition campaign and the planned 'Kya Bolti Public' programme indicates that youth concerns are likely to remain central to CJP's political messaging.

By focusing on employment, education costs and inflation, the party is seeking to connect its campaign with issues that affect a large section of India's younger population.

However, the petition and campaign represent the political position of CJP and Dipke and do not constitute government policy announcements.

With the Independence Day address approaching, Dipke's appeal places the focus on whether the Prime Minister will specifically address employment and education concerns in his national message.

Islamabad: Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that growing frustration among young people could turn into a powerful movement capable of “overturning everything”, drawing a comparison with the youth-led “Cockroach” movement in neighbouring India. Speaking at a gathering, Naqvi acknowledged Pakistan’s worsening economic problems, rising debt and dissatisfaction among the younger generation. His remarks have attracted attention because he openly admitted that the country’s existing system has struggled to meet the expectations of its youth. “We are unable to give our youth what they want. You can call them youth or cockroaches or whatever. But if these cockroaches get together, then they can overturn everything,” Naqvi said, according to the material provided.

The interior minister also delivered a sharp assessment of Pakistan’s economic and administrative situation. He said the system the country has been operating under for decades has effectively “collapsed”, while governments continue relying on additional borrowing instead of addressing the underlying debt problem. Pointing towards the federal budget, Naqvi said discussions repeatedly revolve around how much more debt Pakistan will need to take rather than how the country can fix its finances. “Our duty is to fix. But we won't. We will take more debt. Our debt is rising every year,” he said. His use of the term “cockroaches” comes against the backdrop of recent student protests in India over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. According to the supplied report, those demonstrations were largely led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), described as a youth-led satirical political movement and online civic-engagement project headed by Abhijeet Dipke. The agitation gained further attention after climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the protesting students. The protests were followed by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepping down and Parliament passing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The Indian protests also reportedly attracted attention among sections of Pakistan’s Gen Z on social media. India responded to reports of support from youth groups across the border by shifting the focus to cross-border terrorism. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan had sponsored cross-border terrorism against India for decades and added that Indians, including Gen Z, wanted Pakistan to end such activities. Naqvi’s remarks, however, underline a different concern inside Pakistan — the possibility that economic difficulties and dissatisfaction among young people could translate into organised political mobilisation. With debt continuing to rise and the government facing pressure over economic conditions, his comments amount to a rare public acknowledgement from a senior Pakistani minister about the potential political consequences of youth frustration. His warning that a united youth movement could “overturn everything” has now placed India’s recent “Cockroach” protests into Pakistan’s domestic political conversation.

New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das on Friday questioned the criminal case registered against a 25-year-old woman who allegedly used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Das described the FIR as a misuse of the criminal justice system and argued that while abusive or offensive language could be condemned, it should not automatically lead to criminal proceedings. The woman was allegedly seen making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister during the July 23 Jantar Mantar protest, and a video of the incident later circulated widely on social media. According to the police, she was booked on allegations including intentional insult, public mischief and defamation after a complaint was lodged at the Expressway police station in Noida. Police registered a "zero FIR" before transferring the case to Parliament Street police station in New Delhi, where the alleged incident took place. A zero FIR allows a complaint to be registered at a police station irrespective of where the alleged offence occurred, after which it can be transferred to the police station having jurisdiction.

Reacting to the case, Das said profanity by itself should not result in a criminal case and accused authorities of unnecessarily targeting young protesters. In a post on X, he questioned why police resources were being used against a 25-year-old woman and referred to criminal cases involving members of Parliament while making his argument. Speaking separately to news agency ANI, Das asked when using abusive language had become a criminal offence in the country. He said such language was used in everyday life and maintained that deploying the criminal justice machinery against protesters in this manner was unjustifiable. Das nevertheless described the alleged remarks as condemnable, while appealing to the government and police to stop what he called harassment of young people. His comments came amid continuing political debate surrounding the recent CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar and the police response to demonstrations over examination-related issues.

The complaint in the case was filed by Ghaziabad resident Smriti Singh, who approached Noida Police on Wednesday. According to the complaint cited in the FIR, the woman allegedly used abusive and objectionable language in public against the Prime Minister. Singh alleged that the remarks affected the dignity of a constitutional office and were intended to spread hatred and disturb public peace. She also claimed that several videos circulating on social media showed the woman making abusive remarks about Modi and his mother. Singh said she identified the woman with the help of her friends through social media before approaching police and seeking action. The case has now been sent to Parliament Street police station for further investigation. Das, meanwhile, has maintained that offensive speech should be criticised without using criminal proceedings to target young protesters. The police investigation will determine how the allegations and provisions cited in the FIR are taken forward.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesters during the July 20 Parliament march, alleging that the crackdown could not have taken place without instructions from the home minister. Speaking to journalists in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dipke said he agreed with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had made similar allegations a day earlier and sought Shah’s resignation. Dipke alleged that students protesting against examination irregularities were attacked and injured during the march and claimed responsibility for the action ultimately rested with the home ministry. His remarks come amid an intensifying political row over the handling of the July 20 demonstration and allegations of excessive force by security personnel. The allegations against Shah remain claims made by Dipke and Gandhi, and the material provided does not establish that the home minister personally ordered the police action.

Dipke also rejected allegations that the CJP received foreign funding, turning the charge back on the government. He argued that if an organisation was actually receiving foreign funds while Shah headed the home ministry, it would represent a failure of the ministry itself. The CJP founder went further, making serious allegations about the violence reported during the July 20 protest. He claimed Delhi Police had orchestrated stone-pelting to create grounds for action against demonstrators. According to Dipke, a truck carrying stones and a damaged vehicle were brought to the Jantar Mantar protest site to create the impression that police action had followed violence by protesters. He alleged that people associated with the BJP threw stones while students were subsequently blamed. These claims have not been established as fact in the information provided. Dipke also alleged that he and his family had previously received threats intended to pressure him into joining the BJP. He claimed his parents were threatened and that the family was told he should join the party or face consequences. The BJP has denied allegations that Dipke or members of his family were threatened.

BJP leader Keshav Upadhye hit back at Dipke, accusing him of turning the student agitation into a political campaign. Upadhye argued that the BJP-led government had responded to protesters’ demands by bringing legislation against paper leaks and accepting the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He said Dipke should have acknowledged those developments instead of engaging in politics and suggested that he join the Congress if he wanted to follow Rahul Gandhi’s political line. The confrontation comes days after Pradhan resigned following weeks of protests over examination irregularities that repeatedly disrupted central Delhi and gave the Opposition a major issue to target the government. His resignation followed large demonstrations in which students crossed police barricades during protests that became among the most significant street agitations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Since the July 20 Parliament march, security forces have faced allegations of using excessive force while dispersing demonstrators. Dipke’s decision to echo Rahul Gandhi’s demand for Amit Shah’s resignation has now pushed the controversy further into the political arena, with the CJP and Opposition questioning accountability for the police action while the BJP rejects the allegations and accuses Dipke of pursuing a political agenda.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi government to ensure medical treatment for protesters injured during the July 20 Parliament march from Jantar Mantar, while also ordering the Centre to preserve records related to weapons and ammunition used by the Rapid Action Force during the demonstration. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohan was hearing petitions concerning the alleged use of pellet guns against protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's march. The court, however, declined for now to impose a blanket ban on pellet guns, observing that police may use such weapons in specific situations under the existing framework. The bench said it would be difficult to prohibit their use without a direct challenge to the police rules that permit such weapons. At the same time, the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on guidelines governing the use of pellet guns and directed that records concerning RAF weapons and ammunition deployed during the Jantar Mantar protest be kept safe.

The petitions were filed by former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad and alleged victims Prashant Kumar Singh and Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, who sought a ban on pellet guns. They claimed that the RAF used pellet guns against students during the July 20 march. The issue has remained controversial since the protest, with allegations surrounding the type and extent of force used by security personnel. According to the details presented, more than 100 people were injured during the clashes, including protesters and police personnel. The CJP had called for a march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, with the demonstration continuing from around 8 am until 5 pm and witnessing repeated confrontations between protesters and security forces. Some demonstrators allegedly broke barricades and moved towards Parliament through Parliament Street, Janpath, the War Memorial area, Kartavya Path and Vijay Chowk. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel resorted to crowd-control measures as the situation deteriorated, including lathi-charge and tear gas. Images of stone-pelting also emerged later in the evening, while protesters alleged that pellet guns had been fired at students. Police cleared Jantar Mantar by around 5 pm, but CJP supporters reportedly returned to the protest site around 11 pm and resumed their demonstration.

The case has also brought wider attention to the rules governing the use of pellet guns in India. Pellet guns are not completely prohibited in the country. According to the framework described in the petition-related material, law-enforcement agencies operate under guidelines and standard operating procedures for the use of such less-lethal weapons in crowd-control situations. The stated approach is that police should first use methods considered less likely to cause serious injury when dealing with a breakdown of law and order. Weapons such as pellet guns are meant to be considered only when other measures fail to bring a violent crowd under control, and their use should remain proportionate to the situation. Security personnel are also expected to take precautions to minimise injuries to civilians and fellow personnel. Thursday's Supreme Court directions do not amount to a finding that the RAF unlawfully used pellet guns during the July 20 protest. The allegations and circumstances surrounding their reported use remain before the court. By directing preservation of weapons and ammunition records and seeking the Centre's response on the guidelines, the bench has ensured that material connected with the security operation remains available while the matter is examined further.

A fresh political controversy erupted on Wednesday after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of force against students during the July 20 protest in Delhi. The remarks, made during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, drew strong objections from the treasury benches and prompted an immediate response from the government. Gandhi alleged that the home minister had "ordered the students of India to be shot" and claimed that only the Prime Minister or the Home Minister could authorise such action. Referring to the alleged use of pellet guns during the protest, he argued that if Shah had not issued such an order, then he was unaware of what had happened on the ground. Gandhi also questioned the absence of the home minister from the House during the debate, saying he should answer the allegations.

The controversy gained further momentum after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das backed Rahul Gandhi's claims and demanded accountability from the Union Home Minister. In a post on X, Das said Gandhi's remarks raised "serious concerns" about Amit Shah's role in the July 20 police action and called for an explanation from the Centre. He alleged that a student had permanently lost vision because of the police crackdown and said every life was valuable, adding that the home minister must answer questions surrounding the incident. The CJP's statement came days after the party ended its month-long protest following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The student agitation over alleged examination irregularities has remained at the centre of political debate, with Opposition parties repeatedly accusing the government of using excessive force against demonstrators.

The BJP strongly rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless and unsupported by evidence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju interrupted Gandhi's speech and asked him to produce proof for his claims. "You said the Home Minister ordered firing. Show the order," Rijiju said, demanding that the Congress leader withdraw his remarks and apologise. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also reminded members that serious allegations against individuals cannot be made in the House without prior notice and supporting evidence. Speaking to reporters later, Rijiju said the government was upset because Rahul Gandhi had focused more on political accusations than on the provisions of the anti-paper leak bill. He also clarified that ministers do not issue orders for police firing and that such decisions fall within the authority of the magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate present at the spot.

The exchange has once again brought the July 20 protest under the political spotlight. Reports citing a Delhi Police station diary entry have claimed that pellet rounds were used during the protest on the orders of a senior police officer, adding another layer to the ongoing debate. However, responding in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected Rahul Gandhi's allegations and asserted that no shots were fired during the protest. He said only tear gas had been used to control the situation and reiterated that orders to open fire, if ever required, are issued by the magistrate and not by a Union minister. With both sides standing by their positions, the controversy is expected to continue even after Parliament cleared the anti-paper leak bill, keeping the focus on the government's handling of the student protests as much as on the examination reforms themselves.

Speaking during an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on The Mojo Story, Das said public disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than prolonged hostility. He argued that India’s culture of discussion and debate has weakened in recent years and stressed that conversations remain the best way to bridge ideological differences.

Das also revealed that he had previously appealed to Ranaut through an Instagram Story, urging her to remain calm and engage in discussion instead of escalating the exchange.

Recalling the public attention generated by their online confrontation, Das shared a lighter moment involving one of his friends. According to him, several friends questioned why Ranaut had continued targeting him on social media. One of them jokingly remarked that he looked “a little like a young Hrithik Roshan.” Das laughed off the comparison and admitted he was surprised by the comment.

When asked whether he would be willing to meet Kangana Ranaut for coffee, Das replied that he had no objection. He said he does not view political opponents as personal enemies and insisted that differences in opinion should not translate into personal hostility.

The latest remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing war of words between Das and Ranaut over recent student protests and political developments. Their exchange intensified after Das criticised Ranaut's comments on the protests, suggesting that even members of her own party did not take her remarks seriously and that others need not do so either.

Ranaut responded sharply to the criticism through a series of social media posts, targeting Das personally while continuing to defend her position on the protests. She also posted multiple statements expressing strong views on public demonstrations, political accountability and youth culture, triggering widespread debate online.

The disagreement emerged after the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following which Ranaut repeatedly commented on student protests through her social media accounts. In one post, she criticised violent demonstrations and warned that damaging public property would invite public backlash. She argued that those who express harsh criticism in public should also be prepared to face criticism themselves.

In subsequent posts, the BJP MP also expressed concern over what she described as changing attitudes among sections of urban youth, particularly regarding independence, responsibility and social values. Her remarks drew mixed reactions across social media, with supporters backing her views while critics accused her of making sweeping generalisations.

Das, however, maintained during the interview that disagreements should remain within the boundaries of public debate. He reiterated that criticism is part of democratic discourse and expressed hope that conversations, rather than personal attacks, would dominate political engagement.

The exchange between the two has attracted significant attention on social media, where supporters of both figures have continued debating their statements. While neither side has indicated any plans for a direct meeting, Das's willingness to engage in conversation has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing political and social media sparring.

Police says facial recognition identified participants with pending criminal cases; Supreme Court separately examining allegations of police excesses

Delhi Police has claimed that 2,873 people with pending criminal cases participated in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Parliament March held on July 20, including 101 individuals accused in murder cases. The police said the participants were identified using technological tools, including the Facial Recognition System (FRS), and alleged that 989 of them are involved in serious criminal offences.

The claims come as the Supreme Court is separately hearing petitions alleging excessive police force during the student-led protest, making the events surrounding the July 20 demonstration a subject of both criminal investigation and judicial scrutiny.

Police cites serious criminal background

According to Delhi Police, those identified through its verification process face charges across multiple categories of serious crime. Besides the 101 murder accused, the list includes 62 individuals booked for attempted murder, 284 for robbery and dacoity, 61 for rape, six under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 25 for crimes against women, 229 under the Arms Act, 135 for snatching, 19 for kidnapping, and 67 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police officials alleged that many among those identified are repeat offenders with multiple criminal cases pending against them.

Police personnel among those injured

The July 20 Parliament March witnessed clashes between protesters and security personnel in central Delhi after demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament.

Delhi Police said 118 police personnel, including senior officers ranging from the Special Commissioner to ACP rank, sustained injuries during the violence. Several women police personnel were also among the injured. Around 60 protesters were reportedly injured during the confrontation.

Security forces used lathi-charge and tear gas after the situation escalated, while incidents of stone-pelting were also reported.

Social media posts under scanner

Delhi Police also said it has issued notices to multiple social media platforms seeking the removal of posts and videos allegedly containing objectionable or abusive remarks targeting the Prime Minister that were circulated during the Jantar Mantar protest and the Parliament March.

According to the police, the action is part of its ongoing investigation into content shared during and after the protests.

Matter under judicial review

The police's latest claims come amid ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court, where petitions have alleged excessive force by law enforcement during the student protests. The apex court has ordered preservation of evidence and is examining allegations relating to the police response, while the Delhi Police continues its investigation into violence during the demonstration.