Video: Massive Student Protests Erupt in New Delhi, Police Use Force

NEW DELHI, July 20: Thousands of protesters gathered near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as the monsoon session of the Indian Parliament began on Monday, with demonstrations focused on demands for accountability in the education sector.

The protest movement, led by the Cockroach Janata Party, had earlier called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but has now expanded its demands to include the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Organizers claimed that more than 50,000 people gathered near the protest site.

The Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) after the group announced plans to march toward Parliament. Authorities deployed additional security personnel, with routes around Parliament sealed and surveillance intensified.

Several Delhi Metro stations, including Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Seva Teerth, were temporarily closed due to security concerns, according to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

The Delhi Police denied reports of violence or excessive force, saying the protest was being handled professionally and urging the public not to believe rumours.

Meanwhile, additional police reinforcements were sent to the New Delhi district, with reports indicating that officers from all 14 districts were directed to deploy additional personnel.

The protests also included members of the All India Students’ Association, who ended their hunger strike after receiving visits from parliamentarians and public figures, including Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha, CPI(M) MP Amra Ram, actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, lawyer Prashant Bhushan, and activist Yogendra Yadav.

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently hospitalized during a hunger strike, said he would end his fast only if the government takes accountability for alleged failures in the education system, including recent NEET examination paper leak allegations, or if political leaders assure him the issue will be raised in Parliament.

Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, urged protesters to maintain peace during the planned march and remain focused on education-related concerns.