The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a pressure group leading a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, has accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force during its march towards Parliament.

The group claimed that several protesters were assaulted during the demonstration, including actor Prakash Raj, actor Shabana Azmi, Gitanjali, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who were reportedly travelling in a truck during the protest.

In a statement shared on social media, the CJP alleged that police personnel attacked the vehicle and physically assaulted protesters who were assisting with navigation.CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka further alleged that Gitanjali was pulled out of the truck by her hair during the police action.He claimed that several young protesters suffered injuries, including one volunteer who allegedly sustained serious rib injuries.The group criticised the police response and said the alleged action would strengthen their protest rather than weaken it.

Ranka also expressed dissatisfaction with a meeting held with government representatives, stating that no concrete response was received despite several hours of discussion.

He said the protesters would continue their demonstration until their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was addressed.The allegations come amid tensions surrounding the CJP’s Parliament march.

The Delhi Police has separately reported injuries among police personnel and protesters during the demonstration and has taken legal action related to the unrest.