New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Thursday alleged that the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been “completely hijacked” by outside anti-social elements, claiming that the situation has escalated beyond the control of the original organisers. The police said miscreants infiltrated the demonstration, attacked security personnel with stones and sharp objects, and disrupted law and order in parts of central Delhi.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions over the CJP-led agitation, which has drawn thousands of supporters to the national capital in recent days. Fresh clashes between protesters and police were reported near Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas as security forces attempted to prevent demonstrators from moving towards restricted zones. Authorities have deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel to maintain order.

Delhi Police says anti-social elements attacked personnel

According to Delhi Police, the protest initially began as a demonstration by students and supporters of the CJP. However, officials alleged that the gathering was later infiltrated by anti-social elements who hid among the protesters before launching attacks on police personnel.

Police claimed that these individuals used stones and other objects to target officers deployed at the protest site. Several police personnel, including senior officers, reportedly sustained injuries during the violence and were shifted for medical treatment.

Officials further alleged that many of the violent individuals were not following instructions issued either by the protest organisers or the police, making crowd management increasingly difficult. Authorities maintained that force was used only after repeated warnings failed to restore order.

Security tightened as clashes intensify

Following the fresh violence, Delhi Police strengthened security arrangements across central Delhi, particularly around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and other sensitive locations. Barricades were reinforced and rapid action teams remained on standby to prevent further escalation.

Police officials said surveillance has also been intensified through CCTV cameras and drone monitoring wherever required. Authorities are examining video footage from the protest site to identify individuals allegedly involved in violence and damage to public property.

The police reiterated that peaceful protests are permitted within the framework of law, but warned that any attempt to resort to violence or attack security personnel would invite strict legal action.

Protest continues despite growing controversy

The CJP-led agitation has become one of the biggest protest movements witnessed in the national capital in recent weeks, attracting support from students, activists and several opposition leaders. While organisers have maintained that their movement remains peaceful, the latest allegations by Delhi Police have added another layer of controversy to the ongoing demonstrations.

The protest gained momentum over demands related to examination reforms and accountability, but recent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces have shifted attention towards law-and-order concerns. Political leaders have also traded allegations over the handling of the protests, while legal proceedings related to police action and protesters’ rights continue before the courts.

Delhi Police said investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the alleged attacks on security personnel and determine whether outside groups played a role in instigating violence during the demonstrations. Authorities have urged citizens to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media while the investigation continues.