New Delhi authorities are preparing to revoke the passports of individuals identified as participants in the recent violent protests orchestrated by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Sources within the Delhi Police indicate this move is part of a stricter approach following clashes that erupted during the party's "Chalo Sansad" march earlier this week.
Clashes Erupt Near Parliament
The unrest began on Monday when CJP protesters reportedly attempted to breach security barricades near the Parliament complex. Security forces responded by deploying tear gas, conducting lathi charges, and using anti-riot vehicles to disperse the large crowd. The confrontation led to minor injuries among both demonstrators and police personnel.
CJP Calls for Nationwide Protests
In the aftermath of Monday's violence, the CJP announced a call for peaceful, nationwide demonstrations scheduled for July 24. The party urged supporters to organize protests in every district, publicly voice students' demands related to the NEET agitation, and express solidarity with those allegedly affected by police action.
Renewed Violence at Jantar Mantar
Further clashes broke out on Wednesday evening as a large crowd of an estimated 12,000 protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar, an area typically designed for approximately 4,000 people. Police again resorted to firing tear gas shells and conducting mild lathi charges to scatter the demonstrators near Tolstoy Marg.
Police Officers Targeted, Injured
Several police personnel, including a senior officer, sustained serious injuries during the confrontations. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat recounted his own injury on Thursday, sustained while attempting to rescue a team member from the crowd. "As soon as our police staff moved back and forth a little there, some of them moved forward to save their lives, and one of them was overpowered by the crowd. Blood was coming out of his head. His entire face was covered in blood, so I tried to intervene to rescue him from there," Bhagat told news agency ANI. He further stated that police officers were specifically targeted, isolated, and attacked by the violent crowd.
The decision to pursue passport cancellations signals the police's resolve to deter future violent demonstrations and hold those responsible accountable for the public disorder.