Protestors at Jantar Mantar (File image: PTI)
Delhi Police has registered 20 First Information Reports (FIRs), including three cases of attempt to murder and 12 cases related to rioting, in connection with the violence that broke out during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) NEET protest in the national capital, senior police officials have said.
The cases relate to incidents that occurred between July 20, when violence erupted during the CJP’s “Sansad Chalo” march, and July 25, when the protest concluded following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Three attempt to murder cases registered
According to senior police officials, three of the 20 FIRs have been registered under charges of attempt to murder. One of the cases pertains to the alleged assault on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat during the July 22 violence.
Videos of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, purportedly show ACP Bhagat surrounded and assaulted by a mob during the clashes. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vineet Kumar was also seen escorting the injured officer to safety amid heavy stone pelting with the assistance of other police personnel.
Officials said the FIRs have been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation will proceed in accordance with government directions.
Police identifying those involved in violence
Police have also begun identifying individuals who were allegedly seen leading violent groups during the protests.
According to officials, investigators are examining CCTV footage, video recordings and other digital evidence to identify those accused of attacking security personnel, vandalising public and private property, and allegedly stealing property during the clashes.
The investigation is part of a broader probe into the violence that erupted during the demonstrations held around Jantar Mantar and other parts of central Delhi.
Supreme Court directions
The legal action comes amid ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court concerning the nationwide NEET protest cases.
The Centre had earlier assured CJP leaders that no punitive action would be taken against protesters. However, the Supreme Court subsequently directed states to immediately release detained students below the age of 18 and those arrested without any criminal antecedents during the protests.
The apex court also directed that no coercive action should be taken against protesters who do not have criminal backgrounds. At the same time, it clarified that the protection would not extend to individuals with criminal antecedents.
Following the court’s directions, several states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Assam, have withdrawn FIRs registered against protesters. However, no official order regarding withdrawal of FIRs has yet been issued in Delhi.
CJP warns of fresh protest
Responding to the developments, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das expressed dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s clarification regarding protesters with criminal backgrounds.
Das said the court’s observations were not in line with what had been discussed during the negotiations between the CJP and the government. He warned that the organisation would launch another nationwide agitation if all FIRs registered against protesters were not withdrawn.
The CJP had spearheaded nationwide protests demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak, with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emerging as the movement’s principal demand. While the party called off its protest following Pradhan’s resignation, investigations into the violence that accompanied the demonstrations continue.
