Central Delhi witnessed chaotic scenes on Monday as security forces used tear gas, baton charges and anti-riot vehicles to disperse protesters participating in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march after demonstrators attempted to breach security barricades surrounding the Parliament complex.
The protest coincided with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and led to repeated confrontations between protesters and police as authorities implemented one of the most extensive security operations in the national capital in recent months.
The first major clash occurred near Jantar Mantar when protesters broke through police barricades and began marching towards Parliament. As the demonstration intensified, participants attempted to cross multiple layers of barricades in the high-security zone surrounding Parliament, triggering scuffles in which several protesters and police personnel reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Amid the police action, the CJP claimed that its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, was detained from Jantar Mantar.
Clashes were reported at several locations across central Delhi, including Jantar Mantar, Constitution Club, Rail Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Janpath, Connaught Place and the area near the Reserve Bank of India, as thousands of protesters gathered despite extensive security arrangements.
Near Shastri Bhawan, security personnel fired tear gas shells after groups of protesters attempted to force their way through barricades to continue towards Parliament.
With Parliament in session, security around the complex was significantly strengthened. Rail Bhawan, located adjacent to Parliament, witnessed heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel as demonstrators attempted to move towards the restricted zone. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent further movement, while multiple layers of barricades remained in place.
Visuals from Rail Bhawan showed large crowds confronting security personnel as repeated announcements urged protesters to disperse. When sections of the crowd attempted to cross barricades, police escalated crowd-control measures by using tear gas followed by baton charges.
Similar clashes took place near the Constitution Club, where security personnel used baton charges and tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to march towards Parliament.
Another group of CJP supporters reached the vicinity of the Reserve Bank of India near Parliament, where they raised slogans before police used mild force to disperse them and stop them from entering the restricted area.
As the demonstration spread beyond Jantar Mantar, large numbers of protesters also gathered in Connaught Place, prompting authorities to tighten security in the commercial district. Traffic on the Outer Circle came to a standstill after police halted buses and other vehicles to prevent protesters from advancing. Crowds continued to move into Connaught Place throughout the day.
Authorities deployed Vajra anti-riot vehicles, water cannons and rapid response teams at strategic locations, including Rail Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Constitution Club, Janpath and Connaught Place, to contain the march and prevent demonstrators from reaching Parliament.
Several commuters were stranded at nearby Delhi Metro stations after authorities temporarily restricted access and closed station gates as a precaution. Security was also heightened across Metro stations in the New Delhi district, with police maintaining strict surveillance. Officials had earlier indicated that Metro stations could be temporarily closed depending on the security situation.
The Parliament complex and the Central Vista corridor were effectively converted into a high-security zone, with public movement suspended and traffic around Parliament brought to a complete halt. Access to the surrounding area remained heavily restricted throughout the day.
Protesters also alleged that internet and mobile connectivity around the protest site had been disrupted due to the deployment of signal jammers. However, there was no official confirmation of these claims.
The CJP organised the 'Chalo Sansad' march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament to demand education reforms and seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The march coincided with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.
Ahead of the protest, Delhi Police implemented an extensive security plan, deploying more than 5,000 police and paramilitary personnel across the New Delhi district. More than 25 battalions of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including women personnel, were stationed at strategic locations to reinforce security arrangements.
According to sources, the New Delhi district was divided into 15 security sectors, each supervised by senior officers. Intelligence agencies and the Delhi Police Special Branch reportedly provided hourly updates on the movement and strength of protesters around Jantar Mantar, enabling authorities to adjust deployments in real time.
Meanwhile, the CJP leadership claimed that the Centre had agreed to hold discussions with the protesters and said it had sought a meeting with the government to present its demands. However, there was no official confirmation from the government regarding any such talks.
