Heavy police deployment at Mumbai's Azad Maidan ahead of CJP protest in support of Jantar Mantar agitation

Heavy police security was deployed at Azad Maidan. Pic/ X

Heavy police security was deployed at Azad Maidan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on Tuesday after a protest was announced in Mumbai in support of the ongoing agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

The protest was called in solidarity with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demonstration in the national capital, where supporters have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

The heightened security arrangements came a day after clashes broke out during the CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' march in Delhi, prompting authorities to remain on alert in Mumbai.

CJP criticises detention of supporters

Backing its Mumbai supporters, who staged a protest near Chaityabhoomi in the Shivaji Park area of Dadar on Monday, the CJP accused the Mumbai Police of detaining peaceful demonstrators.

In a post on X, the party said, "Why is Mumbai Police detaining peaceful protesters in Mumbai? Peaceful protests are a part of our democracy. You will not be able to repress youth movements with police force. We will only come back stronger."

The party alleged that its supporters were detained despite protesting peacefully and maintained that it would continue its agitation.

Security personnel remained deployed at key locations in south Mumbai as authorities monitored the situation to prevent any disruption to public order. No untoward incidents were reported at the time of filing this report.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke apologises to injured supporters after 'Chalo Sansad' clashes

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday apologised to supporters who were injured during the 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi, saying he wanted to personally speak to those hurt during the protest.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dipke expressed regret over the violence that erupted on Monday when protesters marching towards Parliament clashed with security personnel. During the confrontation, police allegedly used lathi charges and tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

'I could have done better to protect you'

Addressing supporters, Dipke wrote, "I apologise to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police."

He further alleged that the government was willing to use force against protesters while protecting Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, against whom the CJP has been demanding action over the alleged NEET examination controversy.

Offers to personally speak to injured protesters

Dipke appealed to those injured during the protest to contact him directly.

"If you were injured and see this, please DM me. I want to speak to you personally and apologise. We will keep fighting for all of you," he wrote.

The remarks come a day after clashes broke out near Parliament during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march, where protesters attempted to move towards Parliament amid heavy security arrangements.

The protest has been centred on demands for examination reforms and accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.