Clashes broke out between police and protesters during a demonstration against alleged paper leaks at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, prompting heightened security measures across the capital. According to Delhi Police, some individuals threw stones and bottles at security personnel, while leaders associated with the protest reiterated their commitment to continuing the movement peacefully and appealed to supporters to refrain from violence. Several police personnel were injured, tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd, and additional security forces were deployed in multiple parts of the city.
According to police, the situation escalated at around 8:30 p.m. near Tolstoy Marg in Connaught Place during the protest. Police said some people pelted stones and threw bottles at security personnel, following which tear gas shells were used to control the crowd. Videos circulated on social media showed pushing and scuffles between protesters and police. Some videos also appeared to show protesters carrying sticks, although these videos could not be independently verified.
Delhi Police said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat of Connaught Place was injured in the clashes. Earlier in the day, Punjabi Bagh ACP Jai Prakash was also injured during a separate confrontation with protesters. Jai Prakash said he sustained a head injury after being struck by a stone and was taken to hospital for treatment. Doctors confirmed a minor fracture to his forehead. Other injured police personnel also received medical treatment.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20 over alleged paper leaks and issues related to the education system. The protesters' principal demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reforms to the examination system. Clashes had also occurred between protesters and police during a march to Parliament on July 20, after which security arrangements in the capital were further strengthened.
Prominent figures associated with the protest expressed concern over the incidents of violence and urged supporters to continue the agitation peacefully. A message issued on behalf of Sonam Wangchuk also appealed to people to exercise restraint and avoid any form of violence. Organisers said the protest would continue until the government takes concrete steps to address their key demands.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the government would respond to the letter submitted by the protesters and was prepared for talks. He said the government had heard the concerns raised by the protesters and was willing to seek a resolution through dialogue. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also said the government was ready to discuss all issues related to the education and examination system and address the concerns of young people through dialogue.
During a hearing on a petition related to alleged assault during the protest, the Delhi High Court directed the government to preserve CCTV footage from the relevant locations. The court said the preservation of available digital evidence was necessary for a fair investigation. Police and the government may submit detailed reports during the next hearing.
Following the incident, additional security forces were deployed in the capital on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were called to Delhi to deal with any untoward situation. Security was strengthened at Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Connaught Place and other sensitive locations. Police continued flag marches while monitoring the situation.
For security reasons, 16 Delhi Metro stations were temporarily closed on Thursday morning. Most stations were reopened after the situation returned to normal. Delhi Metro appealed to passengers to check service updates before travelling. Interchange facilities at several major stations continued to operate normally.
Delhi Police registered separate cases over allegations of violence, damage to government property and attacks on security personnel. Police said suspects were being identified using viral videos and CCTV footage. Officials said all available digital evidence would be examined during the investigation to facilitate legal action against those found responsible for the violence.
The protest over alleged paper leaks and the examination system has become a subject of discussion at the national level. Various political parties, student organisations and social activists have expressed their views on the issue. According to the source content, experts said there is a need for broader dialogue on transparency in the education system, examination security and reforms to recruitment processes. The source content also states that possible talks between the government and the protesters could determine the course of developments in the coming days.
