"People from RSS" behind attack on me, alleges Abhijeet Dipke; claims move to silence student voices

Pic/PTI

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday alleged that individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were behind the attack on him during a protest in Jaipur, claiming the incident was aimed at diverting attention from student-related issues and suppressing dissenting voices, reported PTI.

Dipke made the remarks after arriving at Nagpur airport ahead of a planned protest at Samvidhan Square, where his organisation is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET (UG) paper leak controversy.

The activist was reportedly assaulted during a demonstration in Jaipur on Monday when two men allegedly slapped him while he was being carried by supporters. Police have detained two individuals in connection with the incident and are investigating the matter, reported PTI.

Dipke links attack to his criticism of the government

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Dipke alleged that people connected to the RSS were involved in the attack, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim, reported PTI.

According to him, such incidents occur whenever individuals raise questions about the government or challenge its policies.

He also responded to claims made by some critics regarding his past interactions with RSS-linked individuals and political leaders, questioning whether those allegations justified the attack against him, reported PTI.

The RSS has not publicly responded to Dipke's allegations.

Claims attack was intended to divert attention

Dipke maintained that the incident should not overshadow the issues his organisation has been raising regarding students and examinations.

He alleged that the attack was designed to shift public attention away from concerns related to the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and to weaken the ongoing campaign for accountability, reported PTI.

According to Dipke, the focus should remain on students who have been affected by examination-related controversies rather than on attempts to intimidate activists leading the movement, reported PTI.

He reiterated his demand that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take responsibility for the issue and resign from his position.

"We will continue peaceful protests"

Despite the attack, Dipke said his organisation would continue its campaign through peaceful and democratic means.

He stated that neither intimidation nor violence would deter activists from raising issues concerning students. Referring to the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Dipke said the movement would continue through non-violent protest and public mobilisation.

He emphasised that the objective of the campaign remains to seek accountability and justice for students affected by examination-related controversies.

Protest planned at Samvidhan Square

The CJP has called for a demonstration at Nagpur's Samvidhan Square and appealed to students, youth and citizens to participate in the gathering.

According to Dipke, the protest is intended to highlight concerns regarding the NEET controversy and broader issues affecting students across the country.

Organisers expect significant participation from students and young people, with the event scheduled to take place later in the day.

Tight security arrangements in Nagpur

In anticipation of a large turnout, Nagpur Police have put extensive security arrangements in place around the protest venue and surrounding areas.

Officials expect more than 2,000 participants to attend the demonstration. Security personnel have been deployed at key locations to ensure law and order and to prevent any untoward incidents, reported PTI.

Police authorities said they are monitoring the situation closely and have taken precautionary measures considering the expected crowd size.

Investigation into Jaipur incident underway

Meanwhile, the investigation into Monday's attack in Jaipur continues. Authorities have detained two youths in connection with the incident and are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack or confirmed any organisational links involving the detained individuals.

The incident has generated political attention as student groups and activists continue to press for action on issues related to examination integrity and educational reforms.

Dipke, however, maintained that the attack would not alter the course of the movement and said the campaign would continue to focus on student concerns through peaceful democratic means.

(With inputs from PTI)