New Delhi, July 20: Dozens of protesters were injured on Monday after Delhi Police used batons and teargas to break up a massive ‘Sansad Chalo’ march demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG.
Over 15,000 demonstrators had gathered at Jantar Mantar since early morning under the banner of CJP – Citizens for Justice in Parliament. The protest march began around 10 AM, defying heavy security deployment.
As the crowd reached near the Constitution Club, senior police officers tried to stop the march. When protesters refused to halt, police resorted to a lathi-charge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse them, officials and eyewitnesses said.
Several people sustained injuries in the melee. The exact number of injured is yet to be confirmed by authorities.
Amid the protest, a CJP delegation led by Abhijeet Dipke met Union Minister JP Nadda after receiving an invitation for discussions.
CJP leaders, however, struck a firm stance. “We won’t relent until and unless the minister is sacked,” the leadership said.
Security across central Delhi was intensified with additional deployment around Parliament and key government buildings following the clash.
