Violence Escalates as Delhi Protesters Battle Police in 'Cockroach' Movement

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:22:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hundreds of youths clash with police yesterday, injuring 60 protestors and 118 officers amid renewed calling for education reforms in India

A massive march in New Delhi calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan turned violent after police banned the protest. More than 60 protestors and 118 officers were injured, with teenage supporters, including a hunger striker, suffering heavy wounds. The satirical Cockroach Janta Party – dubbed ‘CJP’ – has turned into a formidable opposition movement, drawing widespread civil society support amid calls for an overhaul of the nation’s exam system. Despite police claims of disorder, the CJP alleges brutalities, including attacks on women, and demands formal inquiries and accountability.

Violence Escalates as Delhi Protesters Battle Police in 'Cockroach' Movement

In New Delhi, a massive march organized by the youth‑led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ended in clashes with police yesterday, leaving at least 60 protestors and 118 officers injured and more than 70 protestors detained.

Protesters clash with police in Delhi — A protester falls during clashes with police on July 20, 2026.

The CJP, formed as a satirical response to a chief justice’s remarks about unemployed youth, demands the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following alleged leaks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The protest, held at the historic Jantar Mantar observatory, attracted tens of thousands and received backing from opposition parties, farmer groups, celebrities and student activists, notably hunger striker Sonam Wangchuk.

During the day, police and paramilitary forces entered the protest site, clearing tents and using batons and tear gas. Protesters who tried to march toward Parliament were met with a barrage of sticks; footage released on social media showed injured demonstrators, including women, lying on the ground. The police later claimed the protestists had attacked officers with stones and attempted to breach barricades, while the CJP accused law enforcement of initiating the violence.

Health Minister JP Nadda met with CJP leaders after the clashes, promising investigation but offering no concrete assurances. The meeting’s impact seemed limited, as protesters resumed their sit‑in upon the restoration of internet connectivity.

The CJP issued a statement apologizing for any abuse of its supporters, especially women, who were violently assaulted by male officers, and pledged to visit injured victims in hospital. Nearly 2.28 million candidates sat the NEET exam on 3 May before it was cancelled due to leaked papers; the scandal has prompted over 20 student suicides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has yet to address the incident, while opposition leaders continue to call for accountability and reforms in India’s education system.