Delhi Police on Monday denied allegations of using force against protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march, even as videos circulating on social media appeared to show security personnel using batons to disperse demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament.
The protest coincided with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, prompting a massive security deployment across central Delhi and restrictions on public gatherings in the New Delhi district.
Rejecting allegations of a lathi-charge and arbitrary detentions, Delhi Police maintained that the protest was handled lawfully and without excessive force.
In an official statement, the force said, "Reports of sporadic use of violence and arbitrary detentions are incorrect. The protest was handled professionally in accordance with the law. People are requested not to fall prey to rumours or misinformation circulating on social media."
Thousands of protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar before attempting to march towards Parliament despite prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which corresponds to the erstwhile Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Several protesters and Opposition leaders alleged that police resorted to a lathi-charge and detained demonstrators to prevent the march from advancing towards Parliament. However, Delhi Police rejected the allegations, reiterating that there was no "sporadic use of violence" and that crowd-control measures were undertaken strictly in accordance with legal provisions.
The CJP's agitation, which initially began as a campaign against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, has since expanded into a broader political movement demanding accountability from the Centre.
Amid the escalating protest, the Centre has reportedly initiated outreach to the CJP leadership, with a party delegation expected to meet BJP President J.P. Nadda for discussions. The development has raised expectations of possible dialogue between the two sides, although CJP leaders have maintained that the protest will continue until their key demands are addressed.
Security remains on high alert in and around Parliament and other strategic locations in the national capital as the Monsoon Session gets underway.
