In a video posted on X, Debke claimed that students involved in the agitation were left exposed to the rain while police personnel remained protected.
The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged examination irregularities entered its 20th day on Thursday, with its founder Abhijit Debke accusing the Delhi Police of refusing to allow tarpaulins at the protest site despite heavy rains that lashed the national capital overnight.
In a video posted on X, Debke claimed that students involved in the agitation were left exposed to the rain while police personnel remained protected.
The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and greater accountability from the government over alleged paper leaks and examination-related irregularities.
Debke wonders about the deprivation of the tarpaulin
As monsoon rains continued to lash Delhi, Debaki said many students at the protest site were drenched in water, and some fell ill due to prolonged exposure to the weather.
“We are wet, all the students are wet, our clothes are wet. People are getting sick. Please show everyone my master’s uniform. Look at it – it is shining as white as ever (Tide kisafedi jaise chamak rhi hai). Please show everyone my master’s shoes. Not even a single drop of rain has fallen on his uniform or shoes. People’s feet are getting damaged. Look how clean and shiny his uniform is. And sir says the tarpaulin will not be allowed to enter the water until orders come from Top, is it okay for students to get wet? Is it okay for students to get sick? Is it okay for students to get wet? Is it okay for students to get sick?
He further claimed that the students had a sleepless night as their properties were submerged in rainwater.
“These cadets are between 19 and 20 years old. They couldn’t sleep until late last night because of the rain. They’re standing here for that very reason. These cadets couldn’t sleep. The mattresses are wet. Their bedsheets are wet. So, until the orders come, should the kids keep getting wet? How is that acceptable? Look at all our senior officers. Just look at how clean and sparkling their uniforms are. Not even a single drop of rain fell on them. They didn’t fall on them.” Until it was touched by water.”
The protest enters its twentieth day
The CJP staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks have severely affected students and their families.
The group demands Pradhan’s resignation and a wider investigation into the alleged loopholes in the examination system.
The development comes days after the Delhi High Court ordered the restoration of CJP’s original X handle, which was blocked in May.
Dibek welcomed the order on Tuesday, calling it a “huge victory” for the movement, freedom of expression and digital rights.
Sonam Wangchuk’s health deteriorates
Meanwhile, teacher and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on an indefinite fast in support of the protest, saw his health deteriorate further on Wednesday, according to a medical bulletin carried by news agency PTI.
Doctors said Wangchuk had lost more than seven kilograms since he began fasting 11 days ago. His weight was recorded at 59.40 kg, while his blood pressure was 103/68 mmHg in the sitting position and 111/73 mmHg while lying down.
His heart rate was 74 beats per minute, blood sugar level was 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation remained at 98 percent, the release said. Doctors noted that his hydration was fair and that he remained mentally alert.
In a related development, AISA member Hrishikesh, who was also on an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after developing serious health complications, the news agency report said.
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