Fresh tensions broke out in central Delhi on Wednesday during the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). While the demonstration at Jantar Mantar remained largely peaceful, the situation turned volatile on the nearby Sansad Marg stretch after protesters and security personnel clashed.
Protest Turns Violent on Sansad Marg
The confrontation began when a section of protesters moved onto Sansad Marg, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas shells in an attempt to disperse the crowd. In return, some protesters allegedly threw stones at police personnel and even chased them along the main road in Connaught Place.
According to Delhi Police, five personnel were injured during the clashes. The injured included two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), one inspector, one head constable and one constable.
Tear Gas Used as Crowd Becomes Aggressive
For some time, there was no visible police deployment on the stretch between the Tolstoy Marg entry near Janpath and the NDMC Convention Centre. However, police and paramilitary personnel later arrived at the location wearing full combat gear.
The situation worsened near Park Hotel on Sansad Marg after the crowd allegedly became aggressive, forcing security forces to fire tear gas shells. During the unrest, a police officer was reportedly chased and assaulted by a section of the protesters.
Volunteers Step In to Calm Demonstrators
Following the violence, police sought help from CJP volunteers present at the main protest site. The volunteers urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and avoid stone pelting, warning that violent incidents could damage the purpose and credibility of the movement.
Police Make Peace Appeals Through Loudspeakers
Authorities continued efforts to restore order by using loudspeaker announcements. A volunteer stood on top of a police bus equipped with a public address system as the vehicle moved along Sansad Marg, appealing to protesters to maintain peace.
Another CJP volunteer was seen standing on a police vehicle, requesting demonstrators not to throw stones.
Police also urged people to sit on the road peacefully and stop raising slogans while officials worked to ease tensions. Despite the clashes nearby, the protest site at Jantar Mantar remained calm, with access towards Sansad Marg sealed using RPF personnel and riot control vehicles.
Internet Services Suspended Around Jantar Mantar
To prevent the situation from worsening, internet services were temporarily suspended in parts of central Delhi. Telecom users in the area received alerts stating that internet access had been restricted following government instructions.
Under the official order, telecom operators were directed to suspend internet services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 6 pm on Wednesday until 6 am on Thursday.
CJP Volunteers Remove Stones From Roads
As a precautionary measure, CJP volunteers were seen clearing stones from roads and traffic islands around the Jantar Mantar monument park to prevent them from being used during the protest.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police increased security in the area by deploying additional personnel. A police bus carrying reinforcements was also seen entering the area near the Parliament Street police station.