Violent CJP protest leaves 118 police personnel injured, 70 detained

Delhi Police said more than 118 personnel were injured and around 70 protesters detained after the Cockroach Janta Party's "Sansad Chalo" march allegedly turned violent. Police accused protesters of attacking security personnel and damaging government vehicles and public property.

New Delhi: More than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers, were injured and around 70 protesters were detained on Monday as the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Sansad Chalo” protest march turned violent in the New Delhi area, police said.

Delhi Police released a statement giving these figures and its account of the incident, accusing protesters of displaying “unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour” during the protest and attacking security personnel, besides damaging government vehicles and public property.

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“During today’s protest by CJP in the New Delhi area, the protesters displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour. Despite repeated warnings and lawful directions issued by the police, they refused to disperse and deliberately violated the prohibitory orders in force,” the police statement said.

The protesters attacked police personnel with stones and other objects, attempted to breach police barricades, vandalised police and other government vehicles, damaged public property and resorted to large-scale violence, posing a serious threat to public order, the security arrangements in place and the safety of police personnel performing their lawful duties, it said.

Police said more than 118 police personnel sustained injuries in the violence, including officers of the ranks of Special Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner of Police, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police and Assistant Commissioner of Police, besides several women police personnel.

“During the scuffle, around 60 protesters were also reported to have been injured. The medico-legal examination (MLC) of the remaining injured police personnel is underway,” the statement said.

According to the police, the violent mob also caused extensive damage to public property.

“Around 15 to 20 government vehicles, along with other government property, were vandalised during the incident,” it added.

Police said around 70 protesters had been detained and legal proceedings had been initiated.

“Around 70 protesters have been detained. Appropriate legal action is being initiated, and an FIR is being registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws for rioting, assault on public servants, damage to public property and other offences committed during the protest,” the statement said.

Reiterating its commitment to maintaining law and order, Delhi Police said strict action would be taken against all those found involved in unlawful and violent activities.