A protester seen repeatedly shouting “Maaro, sir” while being struck with batons by security personnel during a police crackdown at Jantar Mantar has alleged that he was assaulted by around 15 to 20 Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel.
The incident occurred on Monday during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) march towards Parliament, where protesters were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks.
As the demonstration intensified, police carried out a lathi charge at the protest site, dispersing protesters and removing tents that had been erected for the agitation. Videos from the scene circulated widely on social media, including one showing a lone protester surrounded by security personnel striking him with lathis while he repeatedly shouted, “Maaro, sir.”
A policewoman carrying the Tricolour was later seen intervening and escorting the protester away from the spot.
The protester, identified as Bharat Banait from Nagpur, later described the incident, saying he suffered injuries across his body.
“I was hit on the head and on every inch of my body. Around 15 to 20 RAF officers were hitting me. This is a protest by students, and I condemn the government’s action against it,” Banait said.
Following the crackdown, Delhi Police appealed to demonstrators to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement.
In a video message posted on X, Additional Commissioner of Police Rajeev Ranjan urged protesters to exercise restraint and conduct demonstrations peacefully. He said protesters should avoid any unlawful or violent activities and comply with lawful directions issued by police personnel on duty.
Meanwhile, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met Union Minister J P Nadda to discuss their demands. According to Das, Nadda assured the delegation that their concerns would be discussed internally.
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