New Delhi, July 21, 2026: Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, reclaimed the dismantled protest site at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi late on Monday night, hours after a major crackdown involving tear gas and lathi-charges left several protesters injured and detained. The demonstrations, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and the NEET paper leak, marked one of the largest youth-led protests in the national capital in recent years.
Police swung into action as thousands of protesters, mostly students and young people, attempted to march towards Parliament during the “Sansad Chalo” call. Security forces used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd after it allegedly tried to breach barricades near Parliament Street. Multiple layers of security, including around 3,000 personnel, and a mobile internet shutdown in central Delhi failed to prevent large numbers from reaching the area.
Injuries and Medical Updates
At least 38 injured protesters were taken to Lady Hardinge Medical College and around 65 to RML Hospital, with injuries including fractures, head trauma, swelling from tear gas, and eye irritation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke met an injured girl reported to be in critical condition at RML Hospital. Dipke himself briefly fainted during the sit-in. CJP has announced medical and legal assistance for those affected.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, saw his health remain stable at Safdarjung Hospital despite lower blood sugar levels. He announced he would continue the fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet parliamentarians or he is permitted to do so from the hospital. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, was reportedly pushed during the events, though Delhi Police denied any targeted assault.
Police and Protester Accounts
Delhi Police stated that protesters displayed “unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour,” attacking personnel with stones, damaging vehicles and public property, and attempting to breach barricades. The force later held a high-level meeting to review the situation and probe incidents, including a viral drone video from Parliament Street.
CJP leaders, including spokesperson Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, accused police of excessive force and brutality. They continued a peaceful sit-in near Kerala House after the stage at Jantar Mantar—used for Wangchuk’s hunger strike—was dismantled, with materials like trampolines, carpets, and mattresses removed. Das met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who assured that the demands, including Pradhan’s resignation, would be discussed at the “appropriate level,” though no firm commitments were made.
Political Reactions and Solidarity
The protests drew strong reactions from opposition leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “most anti-youth” PM in India’s history, highlighting 152 paper leaks affecting 7.5 crore students. TMC chief Mamata Banerjee condemned the police action, while CPI’s D. Raja described it as a “war on youth and students.” Tamil Nadu LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticised the “high-handedness” of police.
Solidarity protests occurred in cities including Ahmedabad (150 detained), Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Goa. In Gujarat, demonstrators raised similar demands for Pradhan’s resignation.
Human Rights Watch called on authorities to order police restraint and restore mobile internet. Internet services were cut at around 150 sites in central Delhi, drawing criticism for impacting freedom of expression.
Ongoing Developments
As of Tuesday morning, CJP protesters remained at the reclaimed Jantar Mantar site and near Kerala House, awaiting a government response. Gitanjali Angmo described the day’s protest as a “resounding success.” The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear related matters, including an appeal concerning Wangchuk’s treatment and guidelines for regulating protests.
The events have spotlighted widespread youth discontent over examination irregularities in NEET and CBSE processes, with slogans demanding “Dharmendra Pradhan, isteefa do” echoing across the protests.
The situation remains fluid, with CJP vowing to continue until their core demands are met.