Amid a flood of videos circulating on social media that appeared to show police personnel using batons to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament, the Delhi Police on Monday rejected allegations that protesters at Jantar Mantar had been subjected to force, insisting that the gathering was being managed "professionally".
The clarification came after several media reports claimed that security personnel had resorted to the sporadic use of violence against supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who had assembled for the party's 'Sansad Chalo' march. Visuals widely shared online showed police attempting to push back demonstrators as they advanced from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, with footage depicting officers wielding lathis amid heightened security arrangements.
Responding to the reports, the Delhi Police stated on X that "no such incident has taken place", dismissing claims of violence and urging the public not to be swayed by rumours or misinformation.
The developments reverberated inside Parliament, where Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, raised the issue, alleging that thousands of students gathered at Jantar Mantar had been subjected to a lathi charge and accusing the government of attempting to suppress dissent.
Several opposition leaders echoed those concerns. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray described the reported use of force against students and their supporters as "cowardly", while NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule said the alleged crackdown on citizens exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest was "deeply unfortunate and unacceptable".
The protest unfolded a day after Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration and imposed prohibitory orders restricting large gatherings, warning that violations could invite legal action.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk wrote to the Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, stating that he was "feeling very fine" and requesting temporary permission to leave the hospital so that he could participate in the CJP's march to Parliament.