16 Delhi Metro stations shut, heavy security at Jantar Mantar as CJP protest continues

Security remained tight at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Thursday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest over the NEET paper leak entered another day, with authorities closing 16 Delhi Metro stations and deploying a heavy police presence following fresh clashes a day earlier.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said stations including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Supreme Court would remain closed from 7.30 am until further notice.

The CJP alleged that Delhi Police had parked a damaged car outside the protest site, claiming it could be used to falsely implicate peaceful protesters. Sharing images of the vehicle with shattered windows and windshield, the party urged supporters to document its condition.

Wednesday’s protest remained largely peaceful at Jantar Mantar but turned violent on Sansad Marg after demonstrators spilled onto the road. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, while some protesters allegedly pelted stones and chased security personnel. Delhi Police said five officers, including two ACPs, were injured in the clashes.

The CJP also claimed internet services around Jantar Mantar had been suspended, raising fears of another police crackdown. Party convenor Abhijeet Dipke urged police and paramilitary personnel not to “obey illegal orders” against peaceful protesters.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das reiterated that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains a non-negotiable demand, adding that the protest would continue until it is met. He said climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital, had stressed the need for the movement to remain peaceful.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk said Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh had assured him the government would positively consider a discussion in Parliament on the paper leak issue and examine compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide after the NEET controversy. However, he said he would end his hunger strike only after receiving a clear assurance that no protesters or students would face retaliatory action.

In Parliament, the Opposition refused to participate in discussions on the paper leak issue unless Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said there could be no fair discussion while Pradhan remained in office. Opposition MPs also staged protests in black attire, while the government accused them of politicising the student movement and maintained that its doors for dialogue remained open.