NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: The national capital, Delhi, witnessed a significant police crackdown on protesters Monday, leading to widespread demonstrations of solidarity in Mumbai and drawing sharp criticism from political figures. The protests, spearheaded by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), centered around alleged irregularities in national examinations, particularly the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Delhi Police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of CJP protesters attempting to march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on Monday, July 20, 2026. This action resulted in several injuries among the protesters, with reports indicating that over 100 police personnel were also injured in the clashes. The protest site at Jantar Mantar, where activist Sonam Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for several weeks, was dismantled by the authorities.
Protests Escalate in Mumbai
In response to the events in Delhi, Mumbai Police maintained a heightened state of alert, deploying significant security across key areas like Azad Maidan, CSMT, and the BMC headquarters. Anticipating solidarity gatherings, authorities had already warned against unlawful assemblies. Despite these measures, hundreds of individuals, including students and activists, gathered in Dadar’s Chaityabhoomi area on Sunday and Monday to express their support for the Delhi protesters and demand accountability from the central government. Mumbai Police subsequently detained over 300 people, registering multiple cases against them for allegedly participating in an unlawful assembly, as no prior permission had been granted for these demonstrations.
The CJP condemned the detentions in Mumbai, asserting that peaceful protests are a fundamental aspect of democracy and that such actions would not deter youth movements. The party also appealed to those injured during the Delhi protests to contact its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, who offered personal apologies and pledged continued support.
Political Fallout and Judicial Scrutiny
The crackdown in Delhi drew condemnation from various political leaders. Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress criticized the use of force against students, stating that such actions were neither democratic nor in line with India’s ethos. He called for a parliamentary discussion on the alleged brutality and the examination crisis. The Delhi High Court agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging excessive police force during the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, though it initially declined an urgent listing, stating the matter would be taken up the following day.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commented on the protests, acknowledging the genuine concerns of many participants but alleging that some elements had infiltrated the demonstrations with their own agendas. He emphasized that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, violence or unlawful demonstrations would be met with strict action.
Background of the Agitation
The CJP’s agitation began on June 6, 2026, at Jantar Mantar, demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over alleged paper leaks in NEET and irregularities in CBSE examinations. The movement gained national attention when activist Sonam Wangchuk commenced an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, demanding accountability for repeated lapses in public examination administration. Wangchuk was forcefully moved to a hospital by Delhi Police on July 18, marking his 21st day of hunger strike, an action that intensified the ongoing protests across several cities.
The protests have highlighted concerns about examination reforms and accountability for alleged irregularities that have affected millions of students nationwide. Reports from the ground indicated the use of internet shutdowns and metro service suspensions in parts of Delhi, further complicating the situation for demonstrators.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
