WA Groups under radar over Delhi Police as they probe CJP Protest
New Delhi: What began as the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest on July 20 has now become the focus of a wide-ranging Delhi Police investigation. The violence that erupted during the march is no longer being examined only through CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. Investigators are now piecing together a digital trail that includes alleged WhatsApp chats, offline messaging apps, forensic evidence and social media activity to determine whether the unrest was spontaneous or if some level of planning took place beforehand.
Among the biggest developments are leaked WhatsApp chats that allegedly advised protesters to download offline messaging apps such as Briar and BitChat before the march. While the screenshots have gone viral, their authenticity has not yet been officially verified and remains under investigation.
This report brings together the major events surrounding the July 20 violence, raising questions over how a protest in the name of NEET students escalated into attacks on police, vandalism and large-scale disruption of public order.
Soon after the clashes, screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations began circulating on social media. According to media reports, the chats were from groups named “JNU Sansad Chalo Coordination” and “Chalo Sansad – 20 July.” The conversations reportedly discussed mobilisation for the protest, possible internet restrictions and ways to remain connected if communication networks were disrupted.
One message reportedly read: “Last time too, police used network jammers. Download Briar, BitChat or similar apps. These apps work through Bluetooth even if the network is blocked.”
Unlike regular messaging apps, Briar and BitChat can work even without mobile internet by using Bluetooth or nearby devices. According to media reports, Delhi Police is investigating whether these apps were only discussed as a backup option or were actually used to help protesters stay connected during the march.
Apart from communication strategies, several other alleged messages have drawn attention.
One purported message reportedly stated: “If someone dies, it will put more pressure on the government.”
Another message allegedly encouraged participants to view personal sacrifice as a contribution to the larger movement, suggesting that those willing to risk their lives would be remembered by future generations. A separate alleged message circulating online reportedly declared: “Lal Salaam. Tomorrow will be the last day of the Modi government.”
Meanwhile, several users have questioned the nature of the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. One widely shared post on X claimed that what began as a student-led demonstration had allegedly been taken over by various ideological and activist groups. The post claimed that the protest had the support of “Maoist sympathisers”, “pro-Palestine hardliners”, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), and labour activists linked to CARWAN. It also alleged that people were being brought to the protest through cash payments, cryptocurrency and planned coordination to create unrest across the country. The post described the movement as having “no legitimacy whatsoever.” However, these claims have not been verified, and no investigating agency has officially confirmed them.
The July 20 protest, organised under the banner of ‘Chalo Sansad’, witnessed clashes between protesters and police in parts of central Delhi. Several police personnel were reportedly injured during the violence, while public property and vehicles sustained damage. Videos circulating on social media showed stone-pelting, damaged barricades, and confrontations between protesters and security personnel. Delhi Police has registered multiple FIRs in connection with the incidents and has maintained that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for violence, vandalism, and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Another video from the July 20 protest that has gained attention on social media appears to show a group of protesters surrounding a Delhi Police vehicle during the unrest. According to claims made by users sharing the clip, a group of around 20-30 protesters allegedly snatched lathis from police personnel and attempted to provoke them while the officers remained inside the vehicle.
Another video from the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest is now making the rounds on social media. In the clip, a former AAP MLA appears to claim that “goons” were brought to the protest and mixed with those gathered by the organisers. The video has reignited the political slugfest, with many users asking whether organised elements had infiltrated what was projected as a student-led demonstration. So far, however, Delhi Police has not officially linked these remarks to the violence or confirmed the claims made in the video.
As the investigation into the July 20 violence gathers pace, another viral video has added a new layer to the controversy. The footage appears to show a group of Nihang Sikhs carrying traditional swords walking alongside participants during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. The video has sparked debate online, with several users questioning how armed individuals were present at a demonstration that later turned violent. One widely circulated post urged Delhi Police to identify those seen in the footage and investigate whether any laws were violated.
Calls for strict action also grew after screenshots of a post allegedly made by an account identified as Mohammad Taufik Sahil began circulating widely on social media. The post reportedly stated, “Burn down India like Nepal.” The screenshots have sparked outrage online, with several users urging authorities to verify the account and investigate whether the message violated the law. However, no official agency has publicly confirmed the authenticity of the post or announced any action specifically related to it.
The July 20 protest also saw actor Naseeruddin Shah address the gathering, where his remarks quickly drew attention on social media. In a video that has since gone viral, Shah said, “If an ignorant person leads the nation, he will desire nothing more than for the entire country to become ignorant, incompetent, foolish, and heartless like him.” He also warned that, “Sab yaad rakha jayega” (“Everything will be remembered”), a remark that many social media users interpreted as a warning directed at the government.
A video featuring journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani from the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest has also gone viral on social media. In the clip, she is heard saying that she had come to cover the protest and had “met some real Hindus.” A protester then asks her whether she is Hindu and whether she supports cow slaughter, to which she replies, “I am Indian, how does it matter if I am hindu,” before the video abruptly cuts off.
Another compelling video evidence has surfaced exposing Manavi Anusha, who is associated with the AUMANA Foundation, a yoga and wellness organisation based in Rishikesh. Several videos show that Anusha had recently led an online campaign opposing the Centre’s proposed Doon-Rishikesh road expansion project, sharing emotional videos, including one in which she shaved her head, while urging support for the campaign. Manavi Anusha’s activism is linked to a wider network of coordinated protests involving NGOs that have faced FCRA-related action. However, no official agency has confirmed these claims.
Within days, she was seen participating in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest in Delhi, prompting users to question whether the same activist network was involved in multiple agitations across different issues. Several users have accused Anusha that she publicly opposes development projects and later portrays herself as a victim when criticised.
Others have also shared videos that they claim show her using abusive language, making provocative remarks against police personnel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and calling for confrontation during the protest. These allegations have circulated widely on social media.
Another speech from the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest that has gone viral features a speaker identified on social media as Kashmiri Owaisi. In the video, he is heard making sharp remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “The game has just started. You still have no idea what’s coming.” He further states, “It has just started. You will soon run and take asylum in another country… Inquilab Zindabad.”
The developments have intensified concerns that radical elements may have used the protest as a cover to engineer unrest, exposing how politically charged agitations can quickly descend into violence and pose a serious challenge to public order and national security.
Social media activist Vijeta Dahiya, who has been actively sharing updates and videos related to the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest, also came into the spotlight after claiming that she was assaulted during the unrest. In a video posted on X, Dahiya alleged that she had been attacked by what she described as “Manuvadi terrorists.”
Remarks made by CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka during the protest have also come under scrutiny after a video of his speech went viral on social media. In the clip, Ranka is heard saying that “the countdown has begun” and describing the events so far as “just a trailer.”
One of the most controversial moments linked to the July 20 protest was a video circulating on social media in which a woman allegedly made offensive remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, this CJP supporter has symbolically performed Narendra Modi’s funeral rites. This is no longer a protest over the NEET paper leak or students’ issues; it has become a movement aimed at bringing down Prime Minister Modi and forcing a regime change.
The investigation into the July 20 violence is now entering a crucial phase. Beyond CCTV footage and viral videos, Delhi Police is building a detailed digital and forensic trail to identify everyone involved in the clashes. Officials are examining alleged WhatsApp chats, mobile phone records, offline messaging apps such as Briar and BitChat, and other electronic evidence, while the Fingerprint Bureau and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are lifting fingerprints from damaged police vehicles, broken barricades and other key locations at the protest site.
https://twitter.com/VamsyKrish3920/status/2079806878335517035 )
The findings are expected to reveal whether the violence was the result of spontaneous unrest or a carefully coordinated operation. Until then, every piece of digital and forensic evidence remains an important part of the ongoing investigation.
