Delhi Police has stated its rationale for employing lathi-charges and tear gas during protests initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The police asserted that force was a last resort after multiple warnings were issued and barricades were breached, as well as during an unauthorised attempt to march towards Parliament. An internal police briefing described the response as “graded, restrained and warranted,” indicating that non-forceful measures were exhausted prior to taking crowd-control actions.

According to the police, recent media coverage has predominantly showcased images of baton charges and the use of tear gas, failing to accurately capture the sequence of events that led to such police actions. Authorities contended that the necessity for force arose only after significant provocations by the protesters created an unacceptable situation.

Agitation Initially Peaceful, Escalation Reported

The protests began peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where thousands of students had convened for an extended period to express concerns about the NEET examination process. The police clarified that the demonstration was permitted within a designated area and was not forcibly dispersed initially, despite continuous sloganeering and provocations from certain groups labelled as disruptive. It was communicated that only sit-ins were sanctioned, while attempts to march towards Parliament were not authorised.

According to police statements, the situation escalated as certain protesters allegedly attempted to breach the high-security zones around Parliament during an ongoing session. Officers reportedly made several announcements through public address systems urging protesters to remain within the permitted area. However, sections of the crowd allegedly dismantled multiple layers of barricades, which reportedly prompted police to take further measures.

During the confrontations, officials claimed that several vehicles sustained damage, and police officers, including senior personnel, faced harassment while attempting to manage the crowd. These interactions heightened tensions, leading to the decision to implement a targeted lathi-charge.

Media Personnel Reportedly Harassed

The internal briefing also highlighted incidents involving media personnel, who allegedly faced heckling and physical harassment during the protests. Delhi Police stated that its officers initially sought to mitigate the situation through announced instructions and engagement with protest organisers while stationed behind barricades. The situation reportedly began to deteriorate as some individuals climbed over barricades.

Initially, police responded with mild physical pushing and water cannons, avoiding the use of batons until it became necessary. The force insisted that the deployment of lathi-charges and tear gas was targeted at individuals breaching security measures or attacking police personnel rather than the mass of protesters.

Once the immediate threat was neutralised and dispersal began, the police maintained that the use of force was discontinued. They also emphasised that injuries sustained by police personnel received insufficient media attention compared to injuries among protesters. Reports indicated that several officers were injured due to their restraint during the situation, highlighting a decision made to prioritise containment to avert broader disruptions to law and order.

Review of Police Actions Underway

Delhi Police confirmed that a post-incident review is currently underway to evaluate whether their response was proportionate throughout the engagement. This assessment will include scrutiny of the actions of alleged disruptive elements within the crowd and any possible lapses by police personnel. Officials indicated that the review will involve an examination of the entire sequence of events, focusing on both the conduct of protesters and police actions during the incident.

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