Delhi Police urges CJP protesters to stay peaceful amid Jantar Mantar standoff
Synopsis
Delhi Police and CJP protesters clashed at Jantar Mantar on 20 July as demonstrators attempted to push through barricades during the 'Chalo Sansad' march. With injuries on both sides and competing claims about police conduct flooding social media, Additional Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan stepped in with a public video appeal — urging restraint, denying violence, and warning citizens against misinformation.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police on 20 July appealed to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters at Jantar Mantar to demonstrate peacefully.
A face-off erupted when protesters allegedly tried to break through police barricades during the 'Chalo Sansad' march, with injuries reported on both sides.
Additional Police Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan issued a video appeal urging restraint and compliance with police instructions.
Delhi Police officially denied claims of 'sporadic violence,' calling its handling of the protest 'professional.' The force warned the public not to spread or believe unverified information circulating on social media about the protest.
Delhi Police on Monday, 20 July appealed to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists and their supporters to 'exercise restraint and continue their demonstrations peacefully' at Jantar Mantar, as reports of a violent face-off between protesters and police personnel emerged, with injuries reported on both sides. The appeal followed claims of a police crackdown on demonstrators who had gathered for the 'Chalo Sansad' march.
What Triggered the Standoff
A group of CJP protesters allegedly attempted to break through police barricades set up at Jantar Mantar, prompting officers to use canes to disperse the crowd. According to reports, both protesters and police personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation. The demonstration was part of the 'Chalo Sansad' march, which drew a significant gathering at the protest site.
What Delhi Police Said
Additional Police Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan, in a video message, stated: '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 further added: 'They should not engage in any illegal or violent activities and must comply with the instructions given by the police personnel deployed on duty.'
Police Push Back on Violence Claims
Earlier on Monday, Delhi Police refuted claims of 'sporadic violence' circulating on social media regarding its handling of the protest. 'Some segments from the media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detentions at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place, and the protest is being handled professionally,' the force said in an official statement. Police also urged all parties to 'assist Delhi Police in maintaining peace and public order at and around the site.'
Warning Against Misinformation
Commissioner Ranjan also cautioned the general public against spreading or believing unverified information on social media platforms. 'Citizens are requested to rely only on credible sources of information and to cooperate with the Delhi Police in maintaining peace, harmony, and law and order,' he said in the video appeal. The force's broad public message underscored growing concern over misinformation amplifying tensions around the protest site.
What Happens Next
With competing accounts from protesters and police still unresolved, the situation at Jantar Mantar remains closely watched. The extent of injuries and the precise sequence of events are yet to be independently verified. How authorities manage the ongoing demonstration will likely determine whether the standoff escalates or de-escalates in the coming hours.
Point of View
Designed to pressure Parliament directly, has historically drawn heavier security responses; what distinguishes this instance is the speed and volume of the counter-narrative on social media, which forced an unusually public police rebuttal. Until independent accounts and medical records are available, neither side's version should be taken as settled.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Jantar Mantar on 20 July?
A confrontation broke out between CJP protesters and Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar on 20 July when demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach police barricades during the 'Chalo Sansad' march. Both protesters and police personnel reportedly sustained injuries in the face-off.
Why did Delhi Police issue a public appeal?
Delhi Police issued the appeal to urge CJP activists to protest peacefully and to counter claims of a violent crackdown spreading on social media. Additional Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan released a video message calling for restraint and cooperation with law enforcement.
Did Delhi Police use force against protesters?
Reports indicate police used canes to disperse protesters who had gathered for the 'Chalo Sansad' march and allegedly tried to break through barricades. However, Delhi Police officially denied claims of 'sporadic violence,' stating the protest was being 'handled professionally.'
Who are the CJP and what is the 'Chalo Sansad' march?
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is a political outfit whose activists organised the 'Chalo Sansad' march, a demonstration aimed at marching toward Parliament. The protest drew a significant crowd at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 20 July.
How should citizens verify information about the Jantar Mantar protest?
Delhi Police has urged the public to rely only on credible and verified sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified claims on social media platforms. The force warned that misinformation could aggravate tensions around the protest site.
