Cop Who Slapped Woman During CJP Protest Removed From Jantar Mantar

A senior Delhi Police officer who was seen slapping a woman protester during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march has been removed from duty at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East) Sandeep Lamba was captured on video allegedly striking a female protester during demonstrations held on July 20, when thousands of CJP supporters gathered to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.

The incident was also raised before the Delhi High Court during the hearing of petitions alleging excessive use of force by police against protesters. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for the petitioners, referred to the video footage and argued that the officer should be held accountable. He also alleged that police did not use water cannons before resorting to tear gas and claimed that tear gas shells were fired directly at protesters instead of being used as a last resort to disperse the crowd.

The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Delhi Police, the Central Government and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), directing them to file their responses within four weeks. The court also instructed authorities to preserve all relevant evidence related to the police action, including CCTV footage and video recordings, as it examines allegations of excessive force during the protest.

Also Read: Police Use Tear Gas, Cane-Charge To Disperse Jantar Mantar Protesters

Former Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said he had filed a police complaint against Sandeep Lamba, stating that he took the step after the government informed the High Court that no FIR had been sought regarding the alleged police brutality. Gokhale said the complaint was intended to initiate legal action over the officer's conduct during the protest.

The July 20 demonstration saw thousands of CJP supporters attempt to march towards Parliament despite police denying permission for the protest. Security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd after protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades. Several protesters and police personnel sustained injuries during the clashes. The protests, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk and several opposition leaders, continue to demand action over the alleged NEET paper leak and broader reforms in the examination system.

Also Read: Delhi Deploys Heavy Security At Jantar Mantar As CJP Protest Enters Crucial Phase