Police investigations into the developments surrounding the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar are continuing following the violence that occurred during the demonstration. Security agencies have examined the activities and criminal backgrounds of several individuals linked to the protest. Meanwhile, a claim has emerged alleging that a conspiracy to trigger a major explosion using petrol bombs or other inflammable materials was planned during the protest and that Punjab Police arrested nine accused in connection with the matter. However, no independent confirmation from reliable sources is currently available regarding the specific claims of an ISI-linked conspiracy or the alleged petrol bomb plot. Until the investigation is completed, these claims should be treated as allegations made by the police or investigating agencies.
The situation at the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar had previously turned tense. Incidents of stone-pelting and bottle-throwing were reported during clashes between protesters and police. Several Delhi Police personnel were injured, following which Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) took action to bring the situation under control.
During the "Sansad Chalo" march held on July 20, confrontations also took place between protesters and security personnel. Delhi Police subsequently registered multiple cases related to the violence. One FIR included allegations of assault on police personnel, damage to public property, and attempts to breach Parliament's security.
Following the incident, police began examining CCTV footage from the protest site and surrounding areas. According to reports, Delhi Police identified and verified approximately 2,873 individuals. Of these, 989 were found to have previously registered criminal cases.
The reported criminal records included cases related to murder, attempted murder, robbery, dacoity, rape, offences under the Arms Act, and the NDPS Act.
Police are investigating whether the violence erupted spontaneously or was planned in advance. Given the possibility of the presence of outside elements at a large public gathering, security agencies are examining the role of various suspects.
The claim regarding petrol bombs and an alleged blast conspiracy has surfaced during the ongoing investigation. If the recovery of inflammable materials or evidence of attempts to transport them to the protest site is established during the investigation, the matter could assume greater legal seriousness. However, verification of the claim will depend on recoveries, FIRs, police statements, and evidence presented before the court.
Allegations involving the ISI also require particular caution. Claims concerning the involvement of a foreign intelligence agency are serious in nature and require substantiated evidence from investigating agencies. At present, available reliable reports confirm that police are investigating violence during the CJP protest and have identified individuals with criminal backgrounds, but no independent confirmation has been found regarding allegations of an ISI-linked blast conspiracy.
Security arrangements were tightened following the violence during the protest. Police and RAF deployment was increased at Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas. Police used tear gas and other non-lethal measures to control the crowd. Reports citing official police records stated that RAF also used several non-lethal shells and plastic pellets.
A substantial part of the investigation concerns identifying individuals suspected of involvement in the violence who were captured on surveillance cameras. Delhi Police used facial recognition technology to verify thousands of individuals. According to police, a significant number of those verified had existing criminal records.
The investigation has also raised questions about whether some individuals joined the gathering with intentions unrelated to the stated purpose of the protest. However, the existence of a criminal record does not by itself establish involvement in the violence at Jantar Mantar or participation in any conspiracy. Separate evidence will be required to determine the role of each accused individual.
The same legal standard applies to the alleged petrol bomb case. Police will have to establish what material was recovered, who possessed it, where it was obtained, and whether it was intended for use during the protest. Investigators will also examine whether any organised conspiracy existed among the accused.
Official information is also awaited regarding the claim that Punjab Police arrested nine accused in connection with the alleged conspiracy. If nine arrests have in fact been made, details including the date and place of arrest, the registered FIR, recoveries, and the legal provisions invoked will provide greater clarity regarding the direction of the investigation.
Delhi Police's investigation following the Jantar Mantar protest identified the presence of individuals with previous criminal cases. According to police data, among those verified, 101 individuals had murder cases, 62 had attempted murder cases, and 284 had cases related to robbery or dacoity. Several individuals also had cases related to weapons and narcotics.
These findings have provided the basis for police to investigate the role of such individuals during the violence. However, a police investigation and proof of charges before a court are separate legal processes. No accused can be considered guilty until judicial proceedings are completed.
Several clashes between protesters and police were reported during the CJP protest. Delhi Police also registered an FIR regarding the alleged assault on RAF personnel. According to police, the incident occurred near Jantar Mantar, and a case was registered against unidentified persons under relevant provisions, including assault on a public servant.
As the number of cases related to the protest increases, investigating agencies face the challenge of distinguishing between peaceful protesters and those allegedly involved in violence. Given the presence of thousands of people at the demonstration, the role of each individual will have to be determined through CCTV footage, videos, witness testimony, and other evidence.
If the alleged blast conspiracy is substantiated during the investigation, the matter could become more serious than a case involving ordinary violence. Investigators may then examine the accused persons' contacts, mobile phone records, financial transactions, and possible networks. However, confirmation of these aspects will depend on the outcome of the official investigation.
Political debate over the CJP protest continues. Protesters have questioned the police action, while police maintain that force became necessary after the crowd turned violent. Reports indicate that both police personnel and protesters sustained injuries during the clashes.
Numerous claims have also circulated on social media regarding the incident. In the absence of official police confirmation, such claims should not be treated as established facts. Allegations involving the ISI or an alleged blast conspiracy require verification through official investigation reports.
At present, police investigations into the CJP protest cover a broad range of issues, including identifying suspects involved in the violence, examining criminal records, analysing CCTV footage, and investigating cases involving alleged attacks on police personnel.
If substantial evidence emerges linking the nine persons reportedly arrested in Punjab to petrol bombs or explosive materials, the investigation may take a different direction. Investigators would then examine the origin of the material, who directed its transportation, and whether it was connected to the violence at Jantar Mantar.
Based on the information currently available, it is established that police launched a large-scale investigation following the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar and verified the criminal backgrounds of individuals present at the demonstration. The investigation also identified several individuals with serious prior criminal records in connection with the verification process.
However, claims that the "ISI plotted a blast" or that "Punjab Police arrested nine accused carrying petrol bombs" should continue to be presented only as allegations or claims made during the investigation until they receive official and independent confirmation. Further action by investigating agencies and official statements are expected to provide greater clarity on the matter.
