The Delhi Police have launched a wider investigation into the violence that erupted during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest, registering five FIRs while examining whether the clashes were part of a larger planned conspiracy.
Police sources said more cases could be registered as investigators work to identify those involved in stone-pelting, vandalism, attacks on security personnel and damage to public property during Monday’s protest.
The investigation is primarily based on more than 250 videos, including CCTV footage, mobile phone clips, drone visuals and recordings from police body-worn cameras.
Separate FIRs have been registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations against unidentified persons under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police sources said. The cases relate to rioting, vandalism, destruction of public property, obstructing government officials from performing their duties and snatching police gear, including helmets and jackets.
More than 70 detained, identities under verification
Police sources said over 70 people have been detained in connection with the violence. Their identities, affiliations and alleged roles in the clashes are being verified.
Investigators are also checking whether those allegedly involved have previous criminal records.
According to sources, the probe is examining whether the violence was pre-planned or orchestrated by organised groups. Officials said many of those detained were not students, although the protest had been projected around alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Police are also investigating whether WhatsApp or Telegram groups were created to mobilise people ahead of the violence.
Sources added that legal action would be taken if the probe establishes the involvement of any political organisation or individual in planning, instigating or financing the violence.
Probe focuses on misinformation campaign
The investigation is also looking into the role of social media in escalating tensions.
Police sources said several accounts circulated misleading and inflammatory content before and during the protest. Cyber experts are tracing the origin of such posts to determine whether there was a coordinated online campaign to spread misinformation.
According to police sources, some social media handles allegedly operating from Pakistan amplified the violence by sharing unverified claims. Officials cited one widely circulated post that falsely claimed seven protesters had been killed, 391 people injured and 250 arrested, calling the figures baseless and intended to create panic.
Police vehicles vandalised, stones hurled
According to police, protesters vandalised police vehicles and pelted stones at security personnel near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place’s Outer Circle.
On Monday, Delhi Police released video footage showing people allegedly throwing stones from behind barricades or after moving close to them in the Connaught Place area.
In a post on X, Delhi Police appealed to protesters to remain peaceful, exercise restraint, comply with lawful directions and cooperate in maintaining public order.
The force also urged citizens not to believe or circulate rumours or unverified information, asking people to rely only on official sources.
Over 100 police personnel injured
Police said the violence erupted after CJP supporters attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament despite permission for the procession being denied.
According to officials, protesters allegedly broke through barricades, attacked police personnel with stones and other objects, damaged government vehicles and public property, and disrupted security arrangements in the high-security zone.
Police said more than 118 personnel, including senior officers and women police personnel, sustained injuries during the clashes. Around 60 protesters were also reported injured.
The CJP protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified on Monday, with a party delegation meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda to press its demands even as the march towards Parliament turned violent.