Injured Woman at Delhi Protest Stable, Off Ventilator: Hospital
A 21-year-old woman injured during a protest in Delhi on Monday has been taken off ventilator support and is showing signs of recovery, doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital said in a health bulletin. The woman is fully conscious, responding to instructions, and breathing without assistance. MRI scans of her brain and spine have returned normal results.
The woman was one of many injured during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a satirical political movement, at Jantar Mantar. The protest, called 'Sansad Chalo' (March to Parliament), demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations, including the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. Thousands gathered, and police used force, including lathicharge and tear gas, after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament. Both police personnel and protesters suffered injuries.
According to sources, the woman collided with a barricade during the police crackdown. A total of 90 students were reported injured, but the 21-year-old is the only patient currently admitted to RML Hospital in connection with the incident; all others have been discharged.
Delhi Police reported that more than 118 police personnel and around 60 protesters were injured, and over 20 police vehicles were damaged. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited RML Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital on Tuesday, meeting injured protesters and speaking with doctors.
Despite the clashes, protesters have returned to Jantar Mantar and continue to demand Pradhan's resignation, Rs 1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the paper leak, and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that the government must come to the protesters and accept their conditions for talks. Government sources, however, said they are ready to talk if protesters come forward. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka suggested negotiations could take place at a neutral venue or at Jantar Mantar.
