Student Protests in Delhi Turn Violent as Police Use Tear Gas; Scholar Alleges Brutality
A 28-year-old PhD scholar from Punjab, Aameen, who led a 23-day hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak, has accused Delhi Police of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demand accountability for the leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On July 18, educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was also on a hunger strike, was detained by Delhi Police and taken to hospital. Hours later, police allegedly used tear gas shells and lathi-charged protesters marching from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament. Aameen, a PhD student at Dr B R Ambedkar University and joint secretary of the All India Students Association (AISA) university chapter, claimed the police action was intended to harm rather than disperse the crowd.
“The way tear gas shells were being thrown at the protesters, the intention was to harm, not to control or disperse the crowds,” Aameen told The Indian Express. He alleged that tear gas shells were fired directly at students, violating protocol. AISA is documenting injuries, with at least 300 protesters treated at RML Hospital alone.
Aameen also criticized BJP leadership, including national president Nitin Nabin, who had earlier described the protest groups as “virus and cockroach-like outfits” and urged party workers to “teach them a lesson.” Aameen said, “Instead of listening to us, they are vilifying students.” The protests have been linked to reported student suicides related to the paper leak controversy.
Delhi Police have not yet issued a statement responding to the allegations. The government has also not commented on the specific claims of excessive force.
