Delhi Police forcibly removed protesters and detained several individuals at Jantar Mantar on July 20, 2026, during a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The action included the physical removal of a three-term Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator, sparking widespread criticism over the handling of the event. The demonstration, which sought to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak case, turned chaotic as authorities moved to clear the site.
Delhi Police Physically Assaulted Legislator Akhilesh Pati Tripathi at Jantar Mantar
The protest featured a march toward Parliament, which was obstructed by police who had installed heavy barricades throughout the area to prevent the demonstrators from advancing. According to reports, when the movement intensified, AAP legislator Akhilesh Pati Tripathi attempted to cross the barricades. Delhi police officers then physically lifted him and threw him directly onto the barricades. Footage of this incident, which shows Tripathi falling heavily, has circulated widely on social media.
Police Action and Allegations of Force
The intensity of the police response has drawn sharp condemnation from political figures. AAP Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh shared video footage of the incident on his social media account, alleging that the police treated the elected representative with extreme brutality. In his post, Singh stated, The behavior of Modi’s Delhi Police toward AAP’s three-time MLA Akhilesh Pati Tripathi is like that of an animal. Beyond the treatment of lawmakers, allegations have surfaced regarding the conduct of security personnel toward senior AAP leaders and volunteers.
Mayur Malkhede and Protesters Faced Police Aggression After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal
On-the-ground accounts from the demonstration at Jantar Mantar describe a tense, early-morning operation. Mayur Malkhede, a 32-year-old from Chandrapur, described the scene: I woke up in the morning to see 300-400 police and security guards around me. Malkhede noted that the police presence intensified on July 18, the day activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the site. According to Malkhede, the police were accompanied by bouncers who moved barricades to facilitate the entry of an ambulance. When we went to speak, the police grabbed the collars of the five volunteers with me and pushed them, he stated.
Escalation and Protester Conditions
The atmosphere at Jantar Mantar remained precarious throughout the protest. Witnesses noted that security measures were extreme, with one individual observing that police had covered areas with white sheets to prevent activist Sonam Wangchuk from signaling to supporters. The physical toll on the protesters was also a point of concern, as volunteers monitored the health of those participating in the long-term demonstration. An unidentified volunteer was observed checking on reporters and participants, stating, Madam, keep drinking glucose or lemon water, otherwise you will get dehydrated.
Samrat Sonwane Reported Targeted Ink Attack Against Activist Abhijeet Dipke
Internal tensions also marked the event. Samrat Sonwane, a 27-year-old from Chalisgaon involved in the planning team, recounted an incident where ink was thrown at activist Abhijeet Dipke. Sonwane stated, A woman rose from the crowd, threw ink at Abhijeet, and shouted loudly, ‘Hit me, hit me.’
Regional Protests and Student Mobilization
The unrest has extended beyond the capital, with significant solidarity protests emerging across Maharashtra. In Mumbai, students attempted to demonstrate at the Chaityabhoomi area in Dadar. Police intervened during this effort, leading to the detention of several student protesters.
Pune Students Gathered at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Statue to Demand Education Reform
Simultaneously, in Pune, hundreds of students gathered near the District Collector’s office, specifically congregating near the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The protesters in Pune maintained a vocal presence, singing songs and clapping to express their demands.
Students in Pune emphasized that their involvement stems from a broader concern regarding the state of the education system. One participant stated, Education is a medium for social transformation. If anyone attacks that medium, we as students will never tolerate it. Because education awakens our conscience. As the number of participants at the Pune site grew, police maintained a heavy presence to monitor the situation and prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities remain tasked with managing the mobilization, as the movement continues to draw students and activists in response to the national examination controversy.
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