The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march descended into widespread violence on July 20, after protesters clashed with security personnel while attempting to march towards Parliament in defiance of prohibitory orders, leaving over 118 police and paramilitary personnel injured, around 60 protesters hurt and prompting multiple FIRs.
The protest, organised to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, coincided with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, triggering one of the largest security deployments in the national capital.
According to Delhi Police, thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar before attempting to move towards Parliament despite Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) being in force and no permission having been granted for the march.
Violence breaks out near parliament
Police said protesters repeatedly attempted to breach multilayer barricades erected around Parliament Street, Patel Chowk, Constitution Club, Shastri Bhawan and other high-security locations.
According to police sources, sections of the crowd allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and attacked security personnel, forcing police to use tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse protesters and prevent them from entering the Parliament security zone.
The confrontation continued for several hours as protesters regrouped through inner lanes and made repeated attempts to reach Parliament.
Several videos circulating on social media showed clashes between protesters and police, with officers using batons to disperse crowds. Delhi Police said the authenticity of the videos was being verified and legal action would follow based on the investigation.
Over 118 police personnel injured
Delhi Police later revised the injury count, stating that more than 118 police and paramilitary personnel sustained injuries during the violence.
The injured included senior officers holding the ranks of Special Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police, besides several women police personnel.
A woman head constable suffered a severe head injury near the Shangri-La Hotel after an allegedly violent mob attacked a police vehicle. She required multiple stitches and remains under treatment.
Police also said around 60 protesters suffered injuries during the clashes and were shifted to hospitals for treatment.
Government property damaged
According to police, protesters allegedly vandalised government property during the violence.
Two Delhi Police buses were attacked, with their windshields smashed during stone-pelting incidents. Authorities also claimed that around 15 to 20 government vehicles were damaged during the unrest.
Several shops on Janpath were also reportedly vandalised.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage and mobile phone videos to identify those allegedly involved in the violence.
Multiple FIRs registered
Delhi Police said multiple FIRs have been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws relating to rioting, assault on public servants, damage to public property and unlawful assembly.
Authorities said investigations are underway to identify all individuals involved in the violence.
Police are also probing whether misinformation circulated through social media contributed to the escalation and whether the violence formed part of a larger conspiracy.
According to police sources, several social media posts claiming deaths, exaggerated injury figures and mass arrests are also being examined.
Dozens detained
More than 70 protesters were detained during the day, while earlier police sources had indicated that over 100 people had been taken into custody from Parliament Street, Patel Chowk, Constitution Club, Shastri Bhawan and surrounding areas.
The detainees were shifted to different police stations and temporary detention centres across Delhi. Police said legal formalities and verification are underway.
Security tightened across delhi
The national capital witnessed an unprecedented security deployment as authorities attempted to prevent protesters from reaching Parliament.
More than 5,000 police personnel, paramilitary forces and rapid response teams were deployed across central Delhi.
Roads leading to Parliament, Central Vista, Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place were sealed, causing massive traffic congestion.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily shut several stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth, as a precautionary measure.
Authorities also intensified surveillance through CCTV monitoring, vehicle checking and anti-sabotage operations.
Delhi police reject viral claims
Throughout the day, Delhi Police issued multiple clarifications dismissing what it described as misinformation circulating on social media.
Police denied claims that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Geetanjali Angmo, had been assaulted during the protests.
The force also rejected reports claiming that CJP founder Abhijit Dipke had been detained, stating that he remained present at the protest venue.
Police urged citizens not to circulate unverified information and appealed for reliance only on official sources.
Political reactions intensify
The clashes quickly escalated into a political issue, with several opposition leaders criticising the police action and expressing support for the protesters.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the use of force against demonstrators, while Left parties accused the government of suppressing democratic protests.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police maintained that action was taken only after protesters allegedly turned violent, attacked security personnel, damaged public property and repeatedly attempted to breach barricades despite repeated warnings.
Investigation widens
Police said investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for stone-pelting, attacks on police personnel, vandalism and damage to public property.
Authorities are also examining CCTV footage, drone visuals and mobile phone recordings from multiple locations to establish the sequence of events.
Officials indicated that legal action would be taken against everyone found responsible for the violence in accordance with the law.
