16 Delhi Metro stations closed amid security concerns after Jantar Mantar clashes

New Delhi: Sixteen Delhi Metro stations, including Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk and Central Secretariat, were closed on Thursday as security was stepped up across the national capital following violence linked to the Jantar Mantar protest.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said that while entry and exit remained suspended at the affected stations, interchange facilities would continue at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, allowing commuters to change trains.

The stations under restriction included Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh and Shivaji Stadium.

The measures were taken after violent protests erupted on July 20, when thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party, along with students, marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak.

The demonstration drew students, opposition leaders and activists calling for accountability in the education system, while Delhi Police said a thorough investigation into the violence was under way.

Security was also tightened in the affected areas to maintain law and order and prevent any further escalation.

Fresh clashes were reported on Wednesday night, when a Delhi Police officer was injured after a group of miscreants allegedly attacked personnel with stones and bottles, officials said.

According to police, the incident took place around 8:30 p.m. near Tolstoy Marg in the Connaught Place area, where some people allegedly pelted stones and hurled bottles at security personnel. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivek Bhagat was injured in the attack.

(Inputs from IANS)