India protest spirals into fresh clashes, senior police officers injured

Videos released by police show protesters confronting officers

Police use teargas to control the crowd during the ongoing protest of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), two days after thousands of protesters marched towards parliament demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination paper leaks, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India, Jul 22, 2026. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Fresh clashes have broken out between protesters and security personnel at Jantar Mantar, a prominent protest site in the Indian capital of New Delhi, NDTV reports.

Police resorted to a cane-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd on Wednesday night, leaving at least six personnel, including two assistant commissioner of police (ACP)-rank officers, injured in the violence, the Indian outlet said.

Police-released videos showed chaotic scenes at the protest site, with demonstrators allegedly throwing stones, clashing with officers and raising slogans.

Internet jammers were later activated in the area as security was stepped up.

According to police footage, some protesters surrounded and assaulted at least one security officer.

The videos also showed several demonstrators attempting to calm the crowd, although those efforts appeared unsuccessful.

The injured officers, ACP Vivek Bhagat and ACP Jay Prakash, were taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Tensions have remained high in the Indian capital since Monday, when police moved to stop the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest march towards parliament.

NDTV said violent confrontations in central Delhi left both protesters and police officers injured.

Demonstrators accused police of using excessive force, with videos circulating on social media appearing to show officers beating protesters.

Police rejected the allegations, insisting they acted with restraint to maintain law and order.

They also said more than 100 police personnel had been injured.