Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Deepke on Thursday appealed to Delhi Police to allow a temporary tent at Jantar Mantar, saying it was needed to protect students on a hunger strike from heavy rain.
Videos shared by Deepke on social media showed him pleading with police officers while requesting permission to install the tent. According to him, the shelter was meant for students who have been protesting for nearly 20 days over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak.
Deepke claimed that the students, who are on an indefinite hunger strike, were forced to sleep in raincoats after rainwater soaked their bedding. In another social media post, he alleged that police stopped students from bringing tarpaulins to the protest site and that some protesters were pushed during the confrontation. These claims have not been independently verified.
The protest is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also joined the protest and has been on a hunger strike since 28 June. Organisers said his health deteriorated on Wednesday after several days without food. Doctors reportedly advised medical attention after his weight fell significantly.
Former JNU student leader Rishikesh, associated with the All India Students’ Association (AISA), was admitted to RML Hospital after complaining of chest pain and numbness in his limbs. His hunger strike ended following medical treatment, while four other students continue the protest.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was launched in May after remarks by a Supreme Court judge referring to some unemployed youth as “cockroaches” during a hearing. Deepke, a digital media strategist from Maharashtra who is currently studying in the United States, started the platform as an online campaign that later expanded into nationwide protests. According to the organisation, demonstrations have been organised in several cities across the country.
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