Tear Gas, Baton Charge as CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ March Sparks Clashes Near Parliament.
New Delhi:
Tension gripped the national capital on Monday as clashes broke out between police and protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Sansad Chalo” march towards Parliament, prompting security personnel to fire tear gas shells and resort to a baton charge to disperse the crowd.
The confrontation occurred near Central Secretariat Metro Station and Raisina Road after protesters attempted to breach security barricades and march towards the Parliament complex. Police pushed the demonstrators back using tear gas and force, while several protesters and police personnel sustained injuries during the violence.
Following the dispersal, protesters regrouped outside the Press Club of India, where they continued raising slogans against the government. The gathering included CJP activists along with students affiliated with Left organisations and other political groups.
Security around Parliament was significantly tightened, with multi-layered barricading, deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, and heavy police presence. Massive iron gates at the Parliament complex were secured, while fire tenders and emergency response vehicles were stationed inside as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, three student leaders ended their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after Opposition leaders assured them that their demands regarding education reforms and accountability would be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Separately, activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, approached the Delhi High Court seeking his transfer to a private hospital. She said Wangchuk’s health was stable and that he remained encouraged by the growing public support for the movement. She reiterated that the campaign would continue until education reforms became a national priority.
The CJP claimed that the administration had initiated talks with its representatives amid the ongoing protests.
Student organisation AISA alleged that several protesters sustained injuries during the police action, including a Delhi University office-bearer who reportedly suffered a fractured arm. It also accused police of using excessive force, including lathi-charge on women protesters. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke alleged that a woman protester was assaulted by security personnel and claimed video evidence would be presented before the court.
