Delhi Police detained over 70 people and registered multiple FIRs on Monday, 20 July after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists and their supporters clashed with law enforcement on Parliament Street, leaving at least 50 police personnel injured. The violence erupted when protesters, defying explicit warnings, attempted an unauthorised march toward Parliament from Jantar Mantar.

How the Violence Unfolded

Trouble began in the forenoon when CJP supporters — who had been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar since 20 June over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination — broke through police barricades and attempted to advance toward Parliament without permission. Delhi Police personnel responded with mild force to halt the illegal movement, triggering clashes that left protesters and at least 50 officers injured.

Investigators are now examining CCTV footage and mobile video recordings to identify individuals who participated in the unauthorised and violent demonstrations across Parliament Street and adjoining high-security zones. Separate FIRs are being registered based on complaints received from multiple locations, according to officials.

Police Had Warned Against the March

New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma had categorically stated on Sunday evening that the CJP had neither applied for nor received any permission to march toward Parliament. Despite that warning, thousands of supporters converged at Jantar Mantar on Monday morning for the 'Chalo Sansad' protest.

As the crowd swelled, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily shut entry and exit gates at Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth Metro stations as a precautionary measure.

What the Police Said

Additional Police Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan, in a video message, appealed for calm. 'The Delhi Police appeals to all protesters to exercise restraint and cooperate with the police in maintaining peace and law and order. All protesters are requested to conduct their demonstrations peacefully,' he said. He added that protesters 'should not engage in any illegal or violent activities and must comply with the instructions given by the police personnel deployed on duty.'

Later in the day, Delhi Police formally urged CJP activists and their supporters to 'exercise restraint and continue their demonstrations peacefully.'

Background and Context

The CJP has been holding sustained protests at Jantar Mantar since 20 June, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Monday's planned 'Chalo Sansad' march represented an escalation of those demonstrations into the high-security parliamentary zone — an area that requires advance police permission for any procession. This is not the first time protests over NEET have spilled into the capital's restricted zones, but Monday's clashes mark a significant intensification, with the injury count among police personnel among the highest recorded in recent protest-related incidents in central Delhi.

What Happens Next

With multiple FIRs being registered and CCTV evidence under review, further arrests are likely in the coming days. The situation on Parliament Street remains closely monitored, and authorities have urged all parties to pursue lawful means of demonstration going forward.