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.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday criticised the Delhi Police over the delay in registering an FIR in connection with the alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by 19-year-old student Sahil Lochav during a protest in New Delhi. Chidambaram said it took 30 days and a seven-hour sit-in protest by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi before the complaint was formally registered. The FIR was filed on Friday after Gandhi staged a dharna at the Parliament Street police station, demanding action on Lochav's complaint. 

Chidambaram said the delay was contrary to the Supreme Court's position that an FIR should be registered promptly when a complaint discloses a cognisable offence. In a post on X, he congratulated Lochav for pursuing the matter and Rahul Gandhi for using the protest to press for registration of the case. The Congress leader's remarks were directed at the police response and did not represent an independent judicial finding that the allegations in the complaint had been established. 

What Happened at Protest

The case relates to a July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, during which Lochav sustained injuries that he has attributed to pellet-gun firing. He was subsequently treated at AIIMS and has continued to face problems with his vision, according to reports. The alleged use of pellet guns during the protest has become a political issue, with the Congress demanding accountability and action against those responsible. Reports have also noted that the government has not independently confirmed the use of pellet guns in the incident. 

Rahul Gandhi's intervention brought the issue back into focus on Friday when he, along with other Congress leaders and Lochav, held a prolonged protest outside the Parliament Street police station. Gandhi demanded that police register the complaint and investigate the circumstances surrounding the injuries. The sit-in ended after the Delhi Police registered the FIR. The case was registered under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to reports. 

FIR Registration and Next Step

The registration of an FIR marks the beginning of a formal criminal investigation; it does not by itself establish the allegations made in the complaint. Police will now be expected to investigate the circumstances of the July 20 incident, examine the evidence and determine the sequence of events and responsibility, if any. The development has nevertheless become a point of political confrontation between the Congress and the Delhi Police over the handling of complaints arising from protests.

Chidambaram's criticism centres on the time taken to register the case and the circumstances in which it was eventually filed. For the Congress, the episode has also been presented as an issue of police accountability and the right of an injured protester to have his complaint formally investigated. The police investigation will determine what happened during the protest and whether the allegations made in the complaint are supported by evidence. 

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) entered the second day of its two-day core committee meeting on Thursday, with founder Abhijeet Dipke scheduled to address a press conference at 2 pm to announce the organisation's future strategy after its 36-day Jantar Mantar protest.

The meeting is focused on reviewing the Delhi agitation, expanding the organisation nationwide and chalking out future campaigns on issues including unemployment, inflation, education reforms, the alleged NEET paper leak and the Centre's ethanol-blended fuel policy.

Focus on Nationwide Expansion

Senior members of the organisation are deliberating on strengthening the group's presence across states and coordinating future public movements.

According to party leaders, the discussions are centred on transforming the momentum generated during the Jantar Mantar protest into a sustained nationwide campaign while continuing to function as a public pressure group.

Thirteen core committee members, including founder Abhijeet Dipke and student leader Saurav Das, are participating in the meeting.

No Plans to Contest Elections

Addressing the media on the opening day of the meeting, Dipke ruled out the possibility of entering electoral politics in the near future.

He said the country does not currently need another political party but rather a strong citizens' pressure group capable of compelling governments to address public concerns.

Dipke stated that the success of the Jantar Mantar movement was rooted in the participation of people from different ideological backgrounds who united over common issues affecting students and youth.

He added that the organisation intends to continue raising concerns related to education, examination reforms, E20 petrol, unemployment and governance through democratic public movements.

Review of Jantar Mantar Protest

The meeting is also reviewing the organisation's month-long agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

The protest began on June 20 and continued for 36 days before concluding on July 25. Thousands of students, parents and young people from different states participated in the movement.

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest and observed a hunger strike in support of the students' demands.

On July 20, the organisation led a march towards Parliament, during which police action against protesters became a major political issue.

Five days later, after the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, CJP announced the suspension of its protest.

Movement Began as Online Campaign

The Cockroach Janta Party traces its origins to a social media campaign launched after remarks made by Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant during a Supreme Court hearing triggered widespread debate online.

Abhijeet Dipke, an Indian student based in the United States, started the campaign using the name "Cockroach Janta Party" as a satirical protest.

What began as an online movement soon attracted support from students across the country and gradually evolved into an organised youth campaign.

The organisation later expanded its agenda by raising concerns over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, examination reforms and broader education-related issues.

Press Conference Expected to Outline Future Plans

Dipke is expected to announce the decisions taken during the core committee meeting at Thursday afternoon's press conference.

The organisation is likely to unveil its roadmap for future nationwide campaigns and explain how it plans to continue mobilising students and young people without formally entering electoral politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to forgive young protesters accused of making abusive remarks against him and his late mother has sparked widespread political reactions, with leaders from several parties backing his message of guidance over punishment. The remarks have also shifted the national conversation surrounding the recent Jantar Mantar protest from calls for strict action to a broader debate on counselling and rehabilitation.

The Prime Minister made the appeal in a video message after controversial slogans and remarks were allegedly raised during a protest linked to the NEET paper leak issue at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. While condemning the language used, he urged society to respond with compassion rather than retribution.

PM Advocates Guidance Over Punishment

Addressing the incident, PM Modi said the abusive remarks directed at him and his late mother were unacceptable and did not reflect the values of a civilised society. However, he stressed that legal action or public humiliation would not necessarily help young people who had gone astray.

Instead, he appealed to society to forgive them and help them return to the right path.

Using a simple analogy, the Prime Minister compared the relationship between the tongue and teeth, saying that even when the tongue gets hurt, people do not break their own teeth because both belong together. Similarly, he said, the country's youth are part of society and deserve guidance rather than rejection.

BJP Targets Congress Over Student Movement

The Prime Minister's remarks were followed by fresh political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party renewing its criticism of the Congress over its alleged role in the student movement.

Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi described PM Modi's response as an example of generosity and restraint. He said the Prime Minister had displayed a "big heart" by choosing forgiveness despite the offensive remarks directed at him.

Saraogi also accused the Congress of attempting to use student protests for political gains instead of addressing genuine concerns.

Leaders Across Parties Welcome Appeal

Support for the Prime Minister's statement came from leaders belonging to different political parties.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar said students who had taken the wrong path should be counselled instead of being punished. He maintained that governments and society should focus on helping young people reconnect with education and development rather than pushing them further away.

Rashtriya Lok Dal national general secretary Malook Nagar described the Prime Minister's message as one that placed the country's youth above political differences. According to him, the decision reflected responsible leadership and encouraged a constructive approach towards the younger generation.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party national working president Praful Patel said young people can sometimes make mistakes because of emotional reactions or external influence. He called PM Modi's response an act of magnanimity and said India's democratic system must continue to move forward by carrying everyone together.

Focus Shifts to Rehabilitation

The Prime Minister's remarks have changed the tone of the political discussion surrounding the Jantar Mantar protest. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, several political leaders have emphasized counselling, social responsibility and rehabilitation for young protesters.

The comments also came after police registered a Zero FIR over the alleged objectionable remarks made during the demonstration. While the legal process remains underway, political attention has increasingly centred on how society should respond to such incidents involving students and young participants.

Broader Debate Continues

The Jantar Mantar protest, initially organised over issues related to the NEET examination controversy, has evolved into a wider political issue following the controversial remarks and the Prime Minister's response.

With leaders from both the ruling alliance and its allies endorsing a conciliatory approach, the debate now extends beyond accountability to questions about youth engagement, responsible political discourse and the role of society in guiding future generations.

The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has alleged that a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative arrested in East Bardhaman district was part of a larger conspiracy to infiltrate and disrupt a student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

According to STF officials, Hameem Mandal was acting on instructions from handlers based in Pakistan and had allegedly planned to enter the protest disguised as a police officer to create unrest. The allegations are part of the agency's ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.

STF Claims Pakistan-Based Handlers Directed Operation

Addressing a press briefing, STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said investigators believe Mandal was assigned multiple tasks by Pakistan-based operatives.

Besides the alleged plan to infiltrate the protest, the STF claimed Mandal had also been instructed to monitor the movements of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and gather information related to his security arrangements.

Mandal was arrested earlier this week in East Bardhaman and has been remanded to 14 days of STF custody for further interrogation.

Girlfriend Arrested From Jharkhand

The STF has also arrested Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj, Jharkhand, alleging that she was involved in the conspiracy.

A court has remanded her to 13 days of police custody.

Investigators claim both accused were working under the directions of a Pakistan-linked network allegedly associated with gangster Shahzad Bhatti.

Honey-Trap and Extortion Plot Under Investigation

According to the STF, Mandal and Sarkar allegedly conspired to honey-trap the son of a West Bengal state minister.

Officials claim the plan involved developing a personal relationship with the minister's son, kidnapping him and demanding ransom from the family.

The agency said it is investigating the individual roles of both accused and examining whether additional people were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Radicalisation Through Social Media

Investigators allege Mandal became radicalised through social media before establishing contact with Pakistan-based operatives.

The STF said international SIM cards linked to the United Kingdom and Mexico were recovered during the investigation and suspects they were used for encrypted communication with handlers and sleeper cells.

According to investigators, Mandal and Sarkar first connected through Instagram around four years ago before meeting in person. The agency claims they were instructed to cultivate relationships with influential individuals to gather sensitive information.

Investigation Began After Minister's Complaint

The STF said the probe began following information about an alleged conspiracy to extort money from a state minister and kidnap his son using a honey-trap.

During the investigation, officers reportedly tracked a social media account operated by Arpita Sarkar, which eventually led them to Mandal.

Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying possible links to a wider network and verifying the extent of the alleged terror module's activities.

The allegations made by the STF are currently under investigation, and the accused have not been convicted of the offences alleged.

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.

Political protests have become a defining feature of the last two decades, but many recent movements across the world appear to follow a strikingly similar pattern. From the Arab Spring to demonstrations in Bangladesh, Kenya, Serbia and several other countries, protest campaigns have increasingly relied on digital mobilisation, social media outreach and loosely organised networks rather than traditional political parties. A similar debate has now emerged in India following weeks of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where sustained demonstrations eventually led to the resignation of a Union Cabinet minister. While many observers view these movements as spontaneous public reactions driven by unemployment, corruption and economic hardship, others argue that the way these protests evolve often reflects a broader global template. According to this view, domestic grievances may trigger public anger, but digital coordination, messaging strategies and international attention can significantly influence how quickly a protest grows into a political crisis.

Between 2024 and 2026, several countries witnessed large-scale protest movements that either weakened or brought down elected governments. Bangladesh, Kenya and Serbia experienced major political unrest in 2024, while Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines and Timor-Leste saw similar developments in 2025. In some of these countries, governments eventually collapsed under sustained public pressure. Analysts studying these movements have pointed to recurring similarities. In many cases, established political parties were not at the forefront during the early stages. Instead, younger activists, social media influencers and digitally connected citizens emerged as the public faces of the campaigns. Demonstrations were often organised at highly visible public locations that attracted extensive media coverage and online engagement. Most movements initially focused on peaceful demands, allowing them to gain wider public sympathy before later becoming more confrontational. Because these campaigns generally lacked a clearly defined leadership structure, it became difficult for authorities to identify decision-makers or negotiate directly with organisers. At the same time, critics argue that despite appearing decentralised, many such movements display coordinated messaging, digital amplification and logistical planning.

The debate over these protest movements has therefore shifted beyond the immediate issues that trigger them. Supporters argue that social media has empowered ordinary citizens to organise peacefully, hold governments accountable and raise issues that may otherwise go unheard. Others believe that the same digital tools can also be used to rapidly amplify narratives, shape public opinion and increase pressure on governments in ways that are difficult to regulate. The discussion has become particularly relevant in India after the recent protests in New Delhi, where political developments have drawn comparisons with similar movements seen elsewhere in the world. While there is broad agreement that unemployment, inflation, corruption and governance issues can create genuine public discontent, experts remain divided over how much influence external networks, digital ecosystems and coordinated online campaigns have in accelerating political unrest. As governments across the world continue to respond to large-scale demonstrations, the balance between protecting democratic protest and addressing concerns over organised digital mobilisation is likely to remain an important policy challenge.

Delhi Police is preparing to initiate action against allegedly objectionable and abusive social media content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders following the recent student protest at Jantar Mantar, according to police sources.

Officials said notices may soon be issued to major social media platforms seeking the removal of posts, videos, reels and comments that are found to contain abusive or objectionable material linked to the protest.

The move comes after authorities began reviewing online content uploaded during and after the 36-day agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Social Media Content Under Review

According to police sources, Delhi Police is examining content circulating across multiple social media platforms to determine whether it violates legal provisions or has the potential to disturb public order.

After completing the review, the police are expected to send formal notices to the concerned platforms requesting the removal of content considered unlawful or abusive.

Officials said the department's social media monitoring unit has been tracking online activity related to the protest and identifying posts that may warrant further legal action.

Monitoring Exercise Underway

Police sources said the identification process is already in progress, with investigators scrutinising videos, comments and other digital content shared during the agitation.

Authorities are also assessing whether any of the material amounts to offences under existing laws governing online communication, public order and defamation.

No official details have been released regarding the number of posts under review or the platforms that may receive notices.

Protest Marked by Strong Digital Presence

The student movement, which continued for 36 days at Jantar Mantar, drew widespread attention not only for its demands but also for its extensive use of digital platforms.

Supporters used social media, live streams, memes, reels and online campaigns to amplify the protest, while food, medicines and other essential supplies were delivered directly to demonstrators through online delivery applications.

Organisers also maintained digital records of assistance received through dedicated help desks, reflecting the movement's technology-driven approach.

Women and Volunteers Played Key Role

The protest witnessed significant participation by women, with several participants describing the demonstration as a safe environment despite large crowds.

Volunteers distributed drinking water, provided medical assistance and supported fellow protesters during the prolonged sit-in amid the summer heat.

The movement relied heavily on digital communication to maintain nationwide engagement even during periods of internet disruption.

Concerns Emerged During Final Phase

While the protest remained largely peaceful for most of its duration, a few incidents during its closing stages drew criticism.

Police sources and observers noted that some individuals with no apparent connection to the movement joined the gathering, creating disruption during the distribution of food and other supplies.

There were also reports of isolated incidents of violence after the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which, according to observers, affected the movement's public image.

Protest Ended After Minister's Resignation

The agitation began over allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and continued from June 20 at Jantar Mantar.

The protest concluded on July 25 after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had joined the students' hunger strike, also ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government.

Delhi Police's review of online content is continuing, and further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing legal and technical examination.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising questions over the alleged use of pellet guns and force against students during recent protests linked to the NEET paper leak issue. The letter comes a day after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) ended its 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Rahul Seeks Answers on Crowd Control

In his letter, Rahul Gandhi asked two questions to the Home Minister. He sought to know who ordered the use of pellet guns against student protesters, and if the order did not come from the Home Ministry, then who authorised it.

He also questioned the deployment of individuals in plain clothes during the protest, asking whether they were police personnel or volunteers and under whose authority they were assigned.

Rahul alleged that instead of engaging with students, security forces resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas. He claimed several protesters suffered serious injuries and alleged that excessive force was used during the crackdown.

Injured Student's Case Raised

The Congress leader referred to the case of 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who allegedly lost vision in one eye during the protest. Rahul said the incident reflected the need for accountability and reiterated his demand for an independent inquiry into the handling of the demonstrations.

Earlier this week, Rahul had also addressed a press conference alongside an injured student, accusing the government of suppressing peaceful protests and demanding responsibility for the violence.

CJP Submits Education Reform Proposals

Following the end of its protest, a delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met BJP national president J.P. Nadda and submitted a five-point proposal aimed at strengthening the examination system.

Among its key recommendations were:

• A minimum 10-year prison sentence for those convicted in paper leak cases.

• Confiscation of the properties of those found guilty.

• Establishment of a new independent National Testing Commission.

• Greater autonomy and transparency in recruitment and examination bodies.

• Structural reforms to improve accountability in competitive examinations.

Protest Ends After Minister's Resignation

The CJP had been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since 20 June, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.

The protest concluded on Saturday after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his ministerial post. The organisation described the resignation as a victory for students while stating that its broader campaign for examination reforms would continue.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines, with the ruling BJP describing it as an example of accountability, while opposition parties have termed it a result of sustained public and student pressure.

 The protest site at Delhi's Jantar Mantar wore a markedly different look on Sunday morning after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) officially ended its 36-day agitation following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Municipal workers cleared the site overnight, removing tents, banners and protest material, while sanitation teams washed the roads, restoring the area to normal. 

Protest Site Cleared Overnight

For more than a month, Jantar Mantar had remained the centre of nationwide student-led demonstrations demanding accountability over the alleged NEET examination irregularities. After the protest concluded on Saturday evening, volunteers and civic workers dismantled temporary structures, removed stage equipment and cleaned the stretch that had become the focal point of the movement. 

By Sunday morning, traffic movement had resumed normally and the area no longer bore signs of the prolonged sit-in.

Metro Services Resume

With the agitation ending, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) restored normal operations at stations that had witnessed restrictions due to security arrangements around the protest venue. Entry and exit at all metro stations were reopened after several days of disruptions. 

Protest Ends, Movement Continues

Although the physical protest has concluded, CJP leaders said their campaign for education reforms and greater accountability would continue through democratic means. Addressing supporters before the site was vacated, the organisation urged protesters to return home peacefully while maintaining pressure for systemic changes in the examination system. 

The 36-day protest had attracted students, youth groups and civil society members from across the country, eventually culminating in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The development has sparked contrasting political reactions, with the opposition describing it as a victory for student activism, while the BJP has termed it an example of ministerial accountability and commitment to national interest. 

As news of Pradhan's resignation reached the protest site, supporters erupted in celebration. Protesters chanted "Student Unity Zindabad," embraced one another, and hailed the resignation as a significant victory for the movement.

CJP founder Abhijeet Deepke addressed the gathering, claiming the protest had achieved its first major objective. "People said ministers in this government never resign. We made it happen," he told supporters.

Using a popular slogan, Deepke remarked, "Democracy has awakened," adding that the resignation represented only the "first wicket" and that the agitation would continue until the remaining demands were fulfilled.

Government-CJP Talks Continue

Even as celebrations continued at Jantar Mantar, representatives of the government and the CJP met at the Constitution Club in New Delhi for another round of negotiations.

The government's delegation included Union Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and senior officials, while the CJP was represented by its leadership, including Ashutosh Ranka and other members. The discussions focused on the protesters' remaining demands following the Education Minister's resignation.

This marks the third formal round of talks between the two sides within five days, indicating ongoing efforts to find a negotiated resolution to the student-led movement.

Deepke Says Movement Will Continue

Addressing supporters from the protest stage, Deepke emphasized that the resignation alone would not end the agitation.

He said the movement still had two key demands pending and asserted that protesters would remain at Jantar Mantar until those demands were addressed. He also reiterated that the campaign was aimed at securing accountability and broader reforms rather than a single political outcome.

Despite reportedly suffering from typhoid and appearing on stage with a medical cannula attached to his hand, Deepke continued to address supporters and participate in the protest.

Five Days of Escalating Protests

The demonstrations have intensified over the past week, leading to repeated engagements between the protesters and the government.

• July 20: CJP organized a march to Parliament, during which clashes with police left several protesters injured.
• July 21: Protest leaders demanded that the government come to Jantar Mantar for direct talks.
• July 22: Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk said he would end his fast if meaningful assurances were received from the government.
• July 23: CJP reiterated its demand for direct negotiations at the protest site.
• July 24: A second round of talks was held between government representatives and CJP leaders, after which Wangchuk ended his hunger strike.
• July 25: Following reports of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, protesters celebrated while another round of negotiations began at the Constitution Club.

What Happens Next

While the resignation of the Education Minister marks a significant political development, the protest movement has indicated that it will continue until its remaining demands are addressed. The outcome of the ongoing discussions between the government and CJP is expected to determine the next phase of the agitation.