Delhi Police has registered 20 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the violence that broke out during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests in the national capital. Senior officials said three of these cases have been registered under charges of attempt to murder, while 12 relate to rioting.
FIRs filed after violence during ‘Sansad Chalo’ march
According to police officials, the FIRs were lodged between July 20, when violence erupted during the CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, and July 25, following clashes between protesters and security personnel before the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
One of the attempt to murder cases is linked to the alleged attack on Delhi Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat on July 22. A video of the incident circulated on social media showed the officer surrounded by a crowd as he was allegedly assaulted. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vineet Kumar was also seen escorting Bhagat to safety amid heavy stone pelting with the help of other personnel.
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A senior police officer told News18 that the FIRs had been registered under the relevant legal provisions and that the investigation would proceed as directed by the government.
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Police are also identifying people who were allegedly seen leading violent groups, attacking security personnel, vandalising property and stealing public and private belongings during the protests.
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Earlier, the government had assured the CJP that no punitive action would be taken against protesters. However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed states to release all detained students below the age of 18 and those “without criminal antecedents” who were arrested during the nationwide paper leak protests.
The court also said that no coercive action should be taken against protesters involved in the demonstrations but clarified that the protection would not apply to those with a criminal background.
While FIRs have been withdrawn in states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Assam, Delhi is yet to issue any official order on the matter.
Reacting to the court’s observations, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said this was not what had been agreed upon during talks with the government. He warned that the party would launch another nationwide protest if all FIRs were not withdrawn.
FAQs
How many FIRs has Delhi Police registered over the CJP protest violence?
Delhi Police has registered 20 FIRs, including three for attempt to murder and 12 related to rioting.
What did the Supreme Court say on the student protest cases?
The Supreme Court directed states to release detained students below 18 years of age and those “without criminal antecedents”, while clarifying that protection would not extend to people with a criminal background.
