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New Party Alleges Police Siege at Jantar Mantar, Demands End to Unlawful Detentions

Published on: 25 Jul 2026, 08:15 AM

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a newly formed political group, has accused the Delhi Police of unlawfully detaining and intimidating citizens attempting to protest at Jantar Mantar, India's designated site for democratic dissent. In a statement issued on Saturday, the party demanded that police immediately cease what it described as a 'siege' of the area, including blocking access and preventing supplies of food and water.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged in a social media post that police had set up checkpoints five kilometers from Jantar Mantar and were detaining students while recording their Aadhaar numbers. He also shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp chat purportedly showing police threatening nearby restaurants not to deliver orders to protesters.

'Jantar Mantar is not a prison. It is not a military zone. It is India’s designated place for democratic dissent,' the CJP statement read, calling on the Delhi Police Commissioner to issue directions to stop what it termed 'unlawful detention and intimidation.'

The party reiterated its 'non-negotiable' demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A two-member delegation from the CJP is expected to meet Union Ministers for a third round of talks later on Saturday.

The Delhi Police has not yet issued a response to the allegations. Jantar Mantar has historically been a venue for peaceful protests, and any restrictions on access would raise constitutional questions about the right to peaceful assembly.

Source: The Hindu

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