21 July,2026 10:49 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke arrives to continue the protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pic/PTI
A day after clashes erupted during the "Sansad Chalo" march in the national capital, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka accused Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters and asserted that the agitation would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
His remarks came as Delhi Police registered multiple FIRs against unidentified persons over alleged vandalism, stone-pelting and violence reported during Monday's protest in the Connaught Place and Parliament Street areas.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ranka claimed that police personnel resorted to the use of batons against protesters and alleged that several volunteers sustained serious injuries during the clashes.
"It was just the Police who used lathis. Our youths were beaten up, their heads cracked open, they were dragged on streets. Sonam sir's wife Gitanjali ma'am's hair was pulled in order to drag her out of truck...Ribs of one of our volunteers was shattered. We had never expected or seen such brutality. Delhi Police crossed all limits yesterday. Clearly, they were given instructions to beat up people. But this will further expand the protest. More number of people will come to Delhi. We will not move from here until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns," Ranka said.
Delhi Police has maintained that officers acted to control the situation after violence broke out during the protest.
Ranka also referred to the meeting held between representatives of the protesters and government officials on Monday, claiming that the discussions failed to produce any meaningful outcome.
"We did not receive any response. Five hours were wasted. If the Government wants to talk to us, they will now have to come here," he said.
The protesters have been demanding action over issues related to the education sector and have indicated that their agitation will continue until their demands are addressed.
The protest witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security personnel in several parts of central Delhi on Monday.
According to Delhi Police, more than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers, sustained injuries during the violence. Police also alleged that protesters damaged police vehicles, government property and attempted to breach security barricades. Officials said around 60 protesters were also reported to have been injured during the confrontation.
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings in connection with the incidents, and an investigation is underway.
Delhi Police have registered FIRs against unidentified persons at the Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to police sources, the cases relate to allegations of rioting, vandalism, damage to public property, obstruction of public servants from discharging their duties, and the alleged snatching of police protective equipment, including jackets and helmets, during the protest.
Police further alleged that unidentified individuals vandalised police vehicles and pelted stones at police personnel near Regal Cinema in the Outer Circle of Connaught Place. Officials said the investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, Delhi Police released video footage that it said showed incidents of stone-pelting in the Connaught Place area. According to the police, the footage showed a group of individuals allegedly throwing stones from behind police barricades or after moving close to the barricaded area.
The force appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and comply with lawful directions issued by officers on duty.
"All participants are requested to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, refrain from indulging in any unlawful or violent activities and comply with the lawful directions issued by police officers/personnel deployed on duty," Delhi Police said in a post on X.
Police also urged the public not to circulate rumours or unverified information related to the protest.
"Citizens are requested to rely only on authentic sources of information and extend their cooperation to Delhi Police in maintaining peace, harmony and public order," the post added.
