Clashes broke out between police and protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) Parliament March in New Delhi on Monday after demonstrators attempted to advance from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament. Police used batons and tear gas after barricades were breached, leaving several people injured and many protesters detained.
Thousands of people had gathered at Jantar Mantar from Sunday night, with many spending the night on the footpaths before beginning the march on Monday morning. Protesters said they intended to reach Parliament peacefully to present their demands but were stopped en route by police barricades.
Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) had deployed heavy security arrangements in and around the Parliament area. A three-layer barricading system was put in place, and security was tightened on major approach roads.
As protesters moved toward Parliament, pushing and shoving broke out between demonstrators and police. Attempts were made to remove barricades at some locations, after which police carried out a baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Videos circulating from the scene showed several protesters falling to the ground, while others appeared to have sustained injuries to the head and arms. Some footage showed injured protesters being assisted to safer locations.
A large number of women also participated in the demonstration. Viral photographs and videos showed women crying, sitting on the ground, and involved in confrontations with police. Protesters alleged that women were also subjected to baton charges and detained.
Police had not issued a detailed public response to those allegations. However, police said the action was taken to maintain law and order and ensure security in the sensitive Parliament area.
Protesters also alleged that, in addition to police personnel, some individuals in plain clothes assaulted demonstrators. The allegations were discussed on the basis of videos circulating on social media, although the claims could not be independently verified. No official agency had issued a clear statement on the matter at the time of reporting.
Following the baton charge and use of tear gas, police detained a large number of protesters and transported them to different locations by bus. Protesters were also seen near Rajiv Chowk and Mandi House Metro stations, where security arrangements were further strengthened.
Media personnel present at the site were also affected during the police action. Reports indicated that one journalist covering the protest was injured, prompting questions regarding press safety and journalists' rights while reporting.
Protesters alleged that the government relied on police action instead of engaging in dialogue over their demands. They said they intended to convey their concerns to Parliament through democratic means but were stopped and subjected to the use of force.
Several social media posts also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the Parliament complex through a rear entrance or exit. However, the claim could not be independently verified, and no official statement had been issued regarding it.
Delhi Police said the Parliament area is an extremely sensitive security zone. According to police, necessary measures were taken to control the crowd after protesters attempted to cross barricades and there were concerns about a deterioration in law and order. Police said the action was aimed solely at maintaining security arrangements.
