More than 118 Delhi Police personnel, including several senior officers, were injured during clashes with protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) march towards Parliament on Monday, according to an official statement issued by Delhi Police. Authorities also said that around 60 protesters sustained injuries during the confrontation, while 70 protesters were detained following the violence.
Delhi Police alleged that the protesters turned violent despite repeated warnings and lawful directions to disperse. According to the statement, demonstrators allegedly pelted stones and other objects at police personnel, attempted to break through security barricades and engaged in large-scale violence. The police said the incidents posed a serious threat to public order, security arrangements and the safety of officers deployed on duty.
The police further claimed that 15 to 20 government vehicles, along with other public property, were vandalised during the clashes. Authorities alleged that protesters damaged police vehicles, government assets and infrastructure while trying to force their way through restricted areas. Security personnel responded by attempting to contain the crowd and prevent further breaches of the security cordon around Parliament.
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According to Delhi Police, prohibitory orders were in force in the area and protesters had been repeatedly instructed not to proceed with the march. Officials stated that the gathering violated these restrictions and that law enforcement personnel acted to prevent the demonstration from entering high-security zones near Parliament. The detained protesters are being processed in accordance with legal procedures, police added.
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related issues and had announced the Parliament march despite not receiving permission from the authorities. Protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar before attempting to march towards Parliament, where heavy security arrangements had been put in place in anticipation of possible unrest.
The situation remained tense following the clashes, with security personnel continuing to maintain a strong presence around Jantar Mantar and the Parliament area. Police said investigations into the incidents of violence, injuries and damage to public property are underway, while authorities continue to assess the extent of losses and take appropriate legal action against those found responsible.
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