Over 70 detained, multiple FIRs registered after violent protest near Parliament

Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 20: More than 70 people were detained and multiple FIRs were registered after violent clashes broke out during a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its supporters near Parliament on Monday, leaving at least 50 Delhi Police personnel injured, officials said.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and mobile phone videos to identify those involved in the violence and initiate legal action against individuals accused of participating in unauthorised demonstrations in the high-security Parliament area.

According to officials, separate FIRs are being registered based on complaints received from different locations where incidents of violence and disruption were reported.

The unrest began in the forenoon when CJP supporters, who have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20 over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, attempted to march towards Parliament without official permission.

Police said protesters breached security barricades and turned violent, prompting personnel to intervene and use mild force to prevent them from advancing towards the Parliament complex. The confrontation resulted in injuries to several protesters as well as at least 50 police personnel.

Later in the day, Delhi Police appealed to demonstrators to maintain peace and conduct their protests within the bounds of the law.

In a video message, Additional Commissioner of Police Rajiv Ranjan urged protesters to cooperate with security personnel and refrain from engaging in unlawful or violent activities.

He appealed to demonstrators to exercise restraint, follow police instructions and ensure that protests remain peaceful without disrupting law and order.

Earlier, New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma had clarified that the CJP had neither sought nor received permission to organise a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament.

As a precaution ahead of the proposed "Chalo Sansad" march, authorities imposed security measures across central Delhi.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed entry and exit gates at Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth Metro stations on Monday morning as thousands of supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar to participate in the demonstration.

Police said investigations are continuing, and further legal action will be taken against those found responsible for violence, damage to public property and violations of law during the protest.