New Delhi: A large number of students and supporters turned up for the second Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest held at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. The protest was held against repeated paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the conduct of examinations, with those gathered demanding accountability from the government.
The protesters heeded the call of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to bring 'plates and spoons' to the site of the protest, banging them during the demonstration. Slogans of 'Dharmendra Pradhan must resign' echoed at the venue, as protesters instensified their demand for governmental accountability.
Dipke arrived at the protest venue to huge cheers from the crowd and said they want to resolve the issues faced by the students.
"We are here to solve today's students' problems," he said.
Delhi police denies permission to continue protest
The Delhi Police has denied permission to CJP to continue its protest at Jantar Mantar, even as party founder Abhijeet Dipke asserted that he will not move from the site until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
The police have asked CJP supporters to vacate the site.
Dipke said, "I request the authorities...since youth from all over the country is here. They want to sit here till we get justice. (I) request Delhi Police to extend our permission. The protest has been peaceful; we are just innocent students who want to sit here."
On Friday, Dipke wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing for ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide amid examination-related controversies. He also reiterated the organisation's demand for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for accountability.
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The June 20 demonstration follows CJP's earlier protest at Jantar Mantar, where the youth-led group had raised concerns over alleged paper leaks, examination irregularities and delays affecting students and job aspirants.
Tight security in place
Heavy security arrangements have been put in place across the national capital taking into consideration the CJP protest. CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the protest venue to monitor the gathering in real time, while around 270 body-worn cameras will be used by police personnel deployed at the site to ensure transparency and document proceedings, according to officials.
Delhi Police videographers have also been stationed at the venue to record the protest and monitor developments on the ground, they said.
Multiple layers of barricades have been placed around Jantar Mantar and adjoining roads, with vehicles being checked at key entry and exit points across the city as part of preventive measures.
Senior Delhi Police officers, including top officials, have been assigned field duties to oversee the arrangements and maintain law and order, police sources said. Reserve forces have also been kept on standby to tackle any untoward situation.
"Delhi Police has made adequate arrangements, and we appeal to protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement," a senior officer said.
The Special Branch is keeping a close watch on developments at the protest site as well as related activity on social media, officials said.
The CJP, which started as a satirical online campaign following remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing last month, has since evolved into an organised protest platform, gaining significant traction on social media.
-With PTI inputs
