Delhi clashes: 5 FIRs filed as 118+ cops injured in NEET protest violence
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police have registered five First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with violent clashes that broke out in New Delhi on Monday, 21 July, when supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students marching from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament clashed with security forces. The demonstration was called to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
FIRs and Investigation
The FIRs have been registered at Connaught Place and Parliament Street police stations, along with other stations in the vicinity. Officials indicated that additional FIRs are likely as the investigation widens to cover all locations where violence was reported.
Investigators are currently reviewing more than 250 video clips — comprising mobile phone recordings, CCTV footage, drone visuals, and footage from police body-worn cameras — to identify individuals allegedly responsible for the violence.
Scale of Police Injuries
More than 118 police personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Police Forces sustained injuries after protesters attempted to breach barricades. The injured include officers of senior rank — Special Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner — all of whom were deployed on duty at the protest site.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar visited the hospital where the injured officers are being treated, personally meeting personnel and enquiring about their condition. “Every injury on the uniform bears witness to dedication to duty,” the Commissioner said in a statement.
What Triggered the Clashes
The protest march, which originated at Jantar Mantar, drew students, opposition leaders, and activists demanding accountability in India’s education system. The situation escalated when marchers attempted to push past security barricades en route to Parliament. This comes amid weeks of sustained public anger over the NEET-UG paper leak, which has already prompted parliamentary debate and calls for the Education Minister’s ouster.
Notably, the scale of senior officer injuries — reaching as high as Special Commissioner rank — signals an unusually intense confrontation, even by the standards of large-scale Delhi protests.
Current Situation and Next Steps
Prohibitory orders remain in force around sensitive areas in the capital to prevent further escalation. Delhi Police have appealed for calm and urged all parties to cooperate with law enforcement. As political and student groups signal continued agitation, authorities say the priority is public safety while the investigation into Monday’s violence proceeds.