On Wednesday evening, 22nd July, Violence broke out near Delhi’s Jantar Mantar after protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) clashed with Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. Atleast 6 police officers, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), two inspectors, and another policeman, were injured during the confrontation. As the situation worsened, police used limited force and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Stone-pelting leaves senior police officers injured
According to an official statement issued by Delhi Police, the violence started around 8.30 pm near Tolstoy Marg in Connaught Place. Police said a group of protesters turned aggressive and began attacking security personnel with stones and bottles.
“Some miscreants attacked the police with stones and bottles,” the statement said.
During the violence, ACP Connaught Place Vivek Bhagat suffered injuries and was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital for treatment. Police later said the situation was brought under control after remaining tense for a short period. “The situation remained tense for a few minutes, but peace has now been restored,” Delhi Police added.
200 CJP goons attacked two Delhi Police officers at Jantar Mantar and severely injured them both.
— Amit Kumar Sindhi (@AMIT_GUJJU) July 22, 2026
These people have come to Delhi only to spark riots.
If they are not stopped now, they will carry out even bigger attacks in Delhi later. pic.twitter.com/Drh4j50SB8
According to police sources, protesters who had gathered at Jantar Mantar moved towards Tolstoy Marg, where the demonstration turned violent. Officials said that the crowd started pelting stones and bottles at Delhi Police and RAF personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Protesters ignored appeals to remain peaceful
Police officials said they initially tried to calm the situation without using force. They claimed officers repeatedly appealed to the protesters to disperse peacefully and even called CJP leaders and organisers to the spot so they could ask the crowd to maintain peace.
However, according to the police, the protesters ignored not only the instructions of the police but also the appeals made by their own organisers.
As the situation became more serious, officials said security personnel came under heavy stone-pelting. Police also claimed that some protesters were carrying sticks, while others were seen with swords and khukhris during the clashes. With the violence escalating, the RAF and Delhi Police used limited force and fired two to three tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and clear the area.
Police said the mob tried to lynch a policeman
Police also confirmed that Wednesday’s incident was the third straight day of clashes between protesters and security personnel.
According to officials, anti-social elements have been joining the protest site during the evening hours and have been responsible for increasing tensions. Police further added that one of their personnel was surrounded by a violent mob and repeatedly assaulted. According to officials, the crowd tried to lynch the policeman while abusing him and raising provocative slogans to encourage others to join the attack.
After the area was cleared, officials said the situation was brought under control. Heavy police deployment continues around Jantar Mantar, Tolstoy Marg and nearby areas to prevent any further violence.
Protest continues as legal battle also unfolds
The CJP protest began on 20th June over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement gained further attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and started an indefinite hunger strike in support of the students’ demands.
Although CJP leaders have requested Wangchuk to end his fast, he has said he will do so only after the government gives a clear assurance that no action will be taken against the protesters.
The agitation has also spread to several other states, including Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In Patna, police used tear gas, water cannons and lathicharge to stop protesters marching towards the Governor’s residence, while similar demonstrations have taken place in other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on petitions alleging excessive use of force during the protests. The court has also directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the police action. The Supreme Court, however, declined to hear a petition challenging the police action urgently.
