Huge CJP protest: A detailed account of what happened on Monday

Chaos, clashes, confusion and screams echoed through the streets of central Delhi on Monday, as thousands turned out to join a protest march planned by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to Parliament on Monday, July 20, as the monsoon session got underway after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said facts and logic leave no room for “disorder”.

Here’s how the day unfolded

Before Monday

Saturday-Sunday: Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist who has been on hunger strike since June 28 at the CJP Jantar Mantar protest, was removed from the protest site, prompting thousands more to join protesters at Jantar Mantar.

Monday morning: 8.30 am | Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police has started talks with CJP. The platform said that it had made its first contact with the government. Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner DCP (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma met CJP leaders in a bid to defuse the situation.

9 AM | Jantar Mantar

The march to Parliament was scheduled to begin, but all entry and exit points to the protest site were closed. With movement banned, thousands of demonstrators poured into the surrounding roads.

12.12 pm | Jantar Mantar

Addressing the rally, CJP’s Abhijit Debke said the platform had established contacts with the government and urged the protesters to remain at Jantar Mantar.

12.15 pm | Metro stations

Commuters at Mandi House and Barakhamba Road stations faced difficulties due to suspension of internet services. Access to the metro became difficult at five stations.

Until 1.40 pm | Parliament and Raisina Road

Groups of demonstrators reached the Parliament area through different routes. The police repeatedly fired tear gas canisters. By 1.40 pm, AAP leaders also reached Raisina Road.

1 PM – 4 PM | Central Delhi

Violence escalated across Raisina Road, Ashoka Road, Janpath, Market Road, Connaught Place and other parts of central Delhi as police resorted to tear gas shelling.

3.50 pm | About India Gate

Fresh groups gathered near Shastri Bhawan lawns and India Gate, leading to rapid action force deployment around Ravi Marg and Kartavya track.

4 pm | Jantar Mantar

Security forces began dismantling the protest site, demolishing the stage, tents and banners. The operation continued for about an hour, while the demonstrators were removed from the place.

By 4pm | Traffic disturbances

Google Maps showed that main roads between Connaught Place and Parliament House were either closed to traffic or barricaded.

4.30 pm | Janpath

Police moved protesters away from major road intersections, forcing many to regroup in Janpath.

5.55pm – 6.40pm | Jantar Mantar

Police dismantled the remaining protest infrastructure, removing tents, a stage and furniture while dispersing those still at the site.

By evening

Despite the crackdown, Abhijit Debaki, along with RJD spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka, Sourav Das and Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, continued to sit-in near Kerala House, saying the agitation would continue.

Protesters return to Jantar Mantar

Although police cleared the site and demolished the theater, crowds continued to gather during the evening. By nightfall, the demonstrators were able to overcome the barriers and reoccupy the area.

Arrests

Police said about 70 demonstrators were arrested during the day. Officials said that an FIR has been registered under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act and other applicable laws relating to riots and assault on public servants.