Delhi Police Confirms Personnel Were Targeted During July 20 Protests After Viral Video Captures Stone Pelting and Vandalism

Delhi Police on Thursday confirmed that police personnel, including members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), came under attack during the July 20 protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), after CCTV footage of the incident gained widespread attention on social media. Officials verified that the viral video is genuine and said it captures multiple acts of violence during the demonstration, including stone-pelting and damage to public and private property. According to the police, several shops and a petrol pump sustained damage after their glass windows were smashed during the unrest.

The protests, held under the banner of the Chalo Sansad march, witnessed several confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel. Incidents of violence, clashes, and police action were reported from different parts of the capital. Authorities said more than 118 police personnel were injured, including senior officers ranging from the rank of Assistant Commissioner to Special Commissioner, as well as several women officers. Around 60 protesters also reportedly suffered injuries during the clashes.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) suspended entry and exit at 16 metro stations across Central Delhi from 7:30 AM on Thursday until further notice. The affected stations include 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. While commuters cannot enter or exit through these stations, interchange services continue to operate at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat.

The metro closures come as protests over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified. Demonstrators have been demanding accountability from the Centre and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Security has been significantly strengthened around Jantar Mantar, where large numbers of police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Protesters at the site were also provided food and refreshments by anonymous donors.

Tensions escalated further on Wednesday evening when fresh violence broke out in Connaught Place. Police said a group of miscreants attacked security personnel with stones and bottles near Tolstoy Marg around 8:30 PM. ACP (Connaught Place) Vivek Bhagat sustained injuries in the incident and was taken to RML Hospital for treatment. Authorities later stated that the situation had been brought under control and normalcy restored. Opposition MPs alleged that they were prevented by Delhi Police from meeting activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Majhi questioned the governments actions, saying the protest had continued for 22 days before Parliament convened and asking why authorities had not acted earlier. She also claimed Wangchuks family had confirmed that there was no legal order restricting visitors from meeting him. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sanjay Yadav also criticised the governments response, arguing that the protests reflected widespread public anger among students and young people rather than the agenda of any single political party. He accused the government of ignoring their concerns while relying on police action to suppress demonstrations. Activist Sonam Wangchuk reiterated that he would continue his hunger strike unless the government provides a written assurance that no legal action will be initiated against those participating in the protests.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.