CJP Protest: Delhi Police Firm On 21 FIRs During Chalo Sansad March Violence, Says Cases Won't Be Withdrawn

Jagran Corresponde, New Delhi: Days after the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest over alleged NEET-UG exam irregularities and the paper leak concluded, Delhi Police has made it clear that the 21 FIRs registered in connection with the violence and vandalism during the agitation will not be withdrawn.

The decision comes despite the withdrawal of cases being one of CJP's key demands during its negotiations with the Centre. CJP had led a 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, during which activist Sonam Wangchuk observed a 26-day hunger strike. Following discussions with the Centre, the government accepted several demands, including the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for the families of aspirants who allegedly died by suicide, and an assurance that no adverse action would be taken against students participating in peaceful demonstrations.

Delhi Police's Stand

During a high-level meeting at the Police Headquarters, senior officers decided that the criminal cases registered in connection with the violence would continue and would not be withdrawn.

Delhi Police clarified that all 21 FIRs registered across five police stations in New Delhi district and the Special Cell's Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit are against unknown rioters. They claimed that no students have been named in any of the cases.

A senior police official said the Supreme Court's direction protects students and others participating in peaceful protests but does not bar authorities from taking action against those accused of violence, rioting, or other criminal acts committed during the demonstrations.

CJP Demands Withdrawal of Cases

CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das has repeatedly demanded that all FIRs registered against students be withdrawn, both through social media posts and public statements. He claimed that one of the commitments made by the Central Government during negotiations was that all cases against students would be withdrawn by last Tuesday.

Police, however, rejected the allegation that it had reneged on its commitment.

Officials said that since no students have been named in any of the 21 FIRs, there are no cases against students to withdraw. All the FIRs have been registered against unidentified individuals.

Police further maintained that students who merely participated in peaceful protests would not face legal action. However, if investigations identify criminal elements or individuals involved in rioting, vandalism, or attacks on police personnel, they will face strict legal action irrespective of their affiliation.

Violence During CJP Protest

According to Delhi Police, incidents of violence occurred between July 20- 25, when alleged rioters attacked police personnel, pelted stones, and vandalised public property in and around Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Janpath, Raisina Road, Ashoka Road, and Tolstoy Road.

Police alleged that government offices, private establishments, and bank premises on Sansad Marg were damaged during the unrest. Sixteen vehicles belonging to Delhi Police and central security forces were also vandalised, while more than 100 police barricades were destroyed.

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DANIPS officer ACP Vivek Bhagat was allegedly assaulted during the clashes, suffering multiple injuries, including broken teeth. Police also alleged that his gold ring, wallet, and wireless communication set were stolen.

Officials said several student protesters who had joined what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration were also injured during the stone-pelting.

In total, Delhi Police claimed that 240 police personnel, including 35 IPS and DANIPS officers, sustained injuries. According to officials, the rioters breached multiple layers of barricades in an attempt to march towards Parliament.

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Of the 21 FIRs registered across Connaught Place, Sansad Marg, Barakhamba Road, Mandir Marg, Kartavya Path, police stations and the Special Cell's IFSO unit:

• 12 involve criminal conspiracy and rioting
• 2 involve molestation of female journalists
• 1 involves flying a drone in a sensitive area
• 1 involves theft of CCTV cameras
• 3 involve deepfake videos
• 2 involve theft of other items

A senior police official said the criminal conspiracy FIR registered at the Sansad Marg police station alleges a conspiracy involving CJP activists. According to police, investigators have recovered several video clips that purportedly show known criminals seated on the protest stage. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.