New Delhi [India], July 21 – Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday said the group would not attempt another march to Parliament, alleging that Delhi police used excessive force during Monday’s protest and warning that another march could put young demonstrators at risk.
Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Dipke accused police of using “brutality and cruelty” while dispersing protesters during clashes that erupted as thousands attempted to march toward Parliament on the opening day of India’s Monsoon session.
He alleged that police personnel assaulted student protesters including minors, and claimed a girl remained in critical condition at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital after being struck on the neck with a baton and falling during the ensuing stampede. Dipke said the government and Delhi police would be responsible if her condition worsened.
He also questioned the police response arguing that authorities could have used water cannons instead of baton charges to stop the march.
Dipke further alleged that stones found near the protest site indicated the violence had been “planned and orchestrated” by Delhi police. He claimed security personnel had tightly controlled access to the protest venue making it difficult to explain how stones reached the area. He also alleged that some individuals in plain clothes were given batons and dressed in police uniforms after removing identifying name tags.
The allegations could not be independently verified. Delhi police have not publicly responded to Dipke’s latest claims. Authorities have previously said officers acted to maintain law and order after protesters breached barricades during Monday’s demonstration.
