Delhi Police Allegedly Assaults Students Over Jantar Mantar Protest Library
New Delhi | July 4, 2026 — Student volunteers of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar were allegedly assaulted by Delhi Police personnel while trying to establish a makeshift community reading library. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reported that historical literature and public policy books were confiscated.
What Happened
On the afternoon of July 4, 2026, tense standoffs occurred at Jantar Mantar when student volunteers tried to set up a library bookshelf filled with books on public policy, Indian history, and constitutional law. According to CJP officials and eyewitness accounts, Delhi Police officers intervened, forcefully dismantling the setup. In the ensuing scuffle, two student coordinators were physically assaulted and sustained minor injuries. Books, including biographies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bhagat Singh, were reportedly tossed into police vehicles, sparking intense protests at the site.
Why It Matters
Protest libraries have historically been symbols of intellectual, peaceful resistance. By dismantling the library and confiscating books, the authorities have drawn criticism for cracking down on peaceful, educational student spaces. This incident has galvanized Gen Z support and unified student organizations who view this as an attempt to suppress democratic expression and student-led constitutional awareness.
Timeline
- 1:00 PM: CJP volunteers start bringing books and installing a wooden shelf at Jantar Mantar. - 1:30 PM: Delhi Police personnel arrive, citing lack of permission for permanent structures. - 2:00 PM: Police dismantle the shelf. Scuffles break out as students try to protect the books. - 2:15 PM: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke posts video updates on X, condemning the police action. - 3:00 PM: A massive sit-in begins at Jantar Mantar with students reciting poetry and reading books on the pavement in protest.
Background & Context
The Cockroach Janta Party has been organizing protests across India against exam paper leaks (NEET-UG). The Delhi leg of the protest at Jantar Mantar has seen students camping overnight. To maintain educational engagement, the CJP initiated a community reading library at the protest site, which has now become a major flashpoint between student groups and Delhi Police.
Key People Involved
- Abhijeet Dipke: CJP Founder, who reported the incident on social media. - Delhi Police Personnel: Involved in dismantling the library shelf. - CJP Student Volunteers: Two volunteers who were physically handled during the scuffle.
Public & Political Reaction
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with the hashtag #StandWithStudentLibrary trending on X. Several opposition leaders and civil society figures visited the protest site, demanding an apology from the police department and the immediate return of the confiscated books. Students across Delhi universities staged solidarity marches.
Future Implications
CJP has vowed to expand the library initiative, setting up 'mobile backpack libraries' where volunteers carry books in their bags to bypass restrictions. The incident will likely intensify the student struggle for free speech and peaceful assembly, bringing national focus to Jantar Mantar's protest dynamics.
Official Statement
You can throw away our books, but you cannot throw away our ideas. The Delhi Police's assault on peaceful students setting up a library is a cowardly act. We will read on the streets, on the pavements, and in the open air.
⚡ CJP Swarm Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q.Why did Delhi Police remove the protest library?
- Police claimed that setting up permanent wooden shelves is not permitted at the temporary protest site without specific permissions.
- Q.Were any books damaged or taken?
- Yes, CJP coordinators reported that books on history, constitutional law, and public policy, including books on Bhagat Singh, were confiscated.