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NEW DELHI — Tensions flared at Jantar Mantar as fresh violence broke out following the announcement of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. A section of demonstrators allegedly pelted stones at security forces, injuring three police officers, including a Special Commissioner of Police.
The security forces responded with a mild lathi-charge and deployed tear gas shells to restore order and disperse the crowd.
Escalation at the Protest Site
The incident occurred as senior police officers were managing crowd control around the protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had been demonstrating over the NEET-UG paper leak controversies.
According to police sources:
- Targeted Officers: Special Commissioner of Police Anil Shukla (Special Cell) was managing the perimeter alongside field teams when a group of demonstrators began throwing stones.
- Injuries: Special CP Anil Shukla and two other police personnel sustained injuries in the barrage and were evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. Their conditions are reported to be stable.
- Police Reaction: Security personnel pushed back the violent section of the crowd using tear gas canisters to secure the perimeter near Parliament Street and Tolstoy Marg.
“As officers moved closer to regulate the crowd, a group allegedly began pelting stones without provocation. The situation was quickly brought under control, and heavy deployment remains in place to prevent further escalation.”
— Delhi Police Official
Broader Context and Ongoing Unrest
The violence unfolded shortly after news broke that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had tendered his resignation. While CJP leadership termed the resignation a major victory for the student movement, protest leaders stated that the agitation would continue until their remaining demands—including compensation for affected student families and accountability regarding alleged police excessive force—were met.
| Key Highlights | Details |
| Location | Jantar Mantar, Central Delhi |
| Key Casualties | Special CP Anil Shukla and 2 police officers |
| Police Action | Tear gas deployed, mild lathi-charge |
| Total FIRs Registered | 15 FIRs across New Delhi district stations |
| Reported Injuries to Date | Over 200 police personnel and 65+ protesters across the multi-week demonstration |
Delhi Police have launched an investigation into the stone-pelting incident, reviewing CCTV footage and video recordings to identify individuals involved in targeting on-duty officers. Police forces continue to maintain a heavy presence around Central Delhi to ensure public safety.
