Delhi Police has decided to initiate passport cancellation proceedings against individuals found involved in rioting, in addition to pursuing legal action under existing laws, signalling a stricter approach towards those accused of participating in violent protests.
The move comes after violence erupted during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march on Monday, when protesters allegedly attempted to breach security barricades around Parliament. In response, security personnel used tear gas shells, lathi charges and anti-riot vehicles to disperse the crowd.
Several protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries during the clashes, while the CJP alleged that its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, was detained.
CJP announces nationwide protest
In the aftermath of the violence, the CJP called for a nationwide peaceful protest on July 24, urging demonstrations in every district against what it described as police brutality against students during the NEET agitation.
The party appealed to student unions and organisations to coordinate protests locally, publicly read out the students' demands and express solidarity with those affected by the police action.
Until this week, the protest at Jantar Mantar had remained relatively small, with students and activists gathering daily to demand accountability over the alleged NEET irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
That changed following Monday's confrontation with the police.
Protest gathers momentum
The police action triggered a surge in participation, with large numbers of first-time protesters arriving at Jantar Mantar. Roads leading to the protest site were packed with demonstrators, and CJP organisers admitted they could no longer estimate the size of the crowd.
Many participants said videos of the police action circulating on social media had motivated them to join the movement.
Meanwhile, the political standoff over the protests intensified.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of reneging on his commitment despite the government's agreement to hold a discussion on the alleged NEET irregularities in Parliament.
His remarks came as Congress leaders continued their sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a parliamentary discussion on the NEET issue, an inquiry into the alleged police action against students and accountability for the crackdown.
Earlier in the day, several Congress MPs and senior leaders staged a protest outside the Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, also demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march.
Wangchuk's hunger strike enters Day 25
Meanwhile, education activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike over the alleged NEET irregularities entered its 25th day on Wednesday.
In a letter released the same day, Wangchuk outlined the conditions under which he would end his fast. He sought an assurance from the government that no punitive action would be taken against students who participated in the July 20 march.
Notably, the letter did not repeat his earlier demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a shift that many viewed as a moderation of his position.
However, Wangchuk said Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who met him in hospital earlier this week, had assured him that his demand for Pradhan's resignation would be considered.
