Security forces use tear gas, batons to stop CJP’s Parliament march

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jul 20, 2026: Security forces on Monday used tear gas and batons to stop thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters from marching towards Parliament in New Delhi. The Delhi Police deployed heavy security across the city, enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and barred unauthorized gatherings in the high-security zone.

Protesters attempting to reach Parliament from Sansad Marg were stopped outside the Sansad Marg Police Station, where police used batons to disperse the crowd. A few protesters sustained minor injuries and were given first aid at the spot. As demonstrators pushed through barricades on Raisina Road, barely 200 metres from Parliament, security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse them. Similar action was taken near the Press Club of India after clashes broke out. Around 10 to 15 protesters were detained during attempts to breach police barricades.

Police also detained students staging a sit-in at Rafi Marg and later dispersed protesters who gathered at the India Gate lawns. Vehicular movement was restricted at ITO’s Vikas Marg, while mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi to maintain law and order. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily closed Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations due to security concerns, although interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat were restored later.

The CJP organised the march to demand accountability over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET-UG paper leak, besides seeking the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protesters rejected offers for talks with district officials and junior ministers, insisting on discussions with the Prime Minister or a Cabinet minister.

Later, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at his residence and submitted a memorandum listing their demands. These included Wangchuk’s immediate release from hospital, the resignation or dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and ₹1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died following the paper leak. The delegation said Nadda assured them that the demands would be discussed with the government, but no immediate commitment was made.

Meanwhile, three members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) ended their 23-day hunger strike following an appeal by a delegation comprising MPs, activists and public figures, including Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi. AISA announced that it would continue its campaign against the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 during the ongoing Parliament session.

Sonam Wangchuk continues to remain under medical supervision at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. According to the hospital, his condition is stable but requires continued observation. Wangchuk has sought permission to join the Parliament march, while his wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the refusal to shift him to a private hospital in Gurugram.