- Massive Gen-Z-led protests in Delhi over alleged exam cheating and police violence, with 150 protesters hospitalized and 118 police officers injured.
- Police used tear gas and bamboo sticks against mostly Gen-Z protesters heading to Parliament, sparking outrage after videos went viral despite internet shutdown.
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on hunger strike in support, was removed from the protest site and taken to hospital, escalating anger.
- Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained after staging a sit-in outside Modi’s residence, demanding the minister's resignation.
- Protesters now demand not only education reform but also Prime Minister Modi’s resignation, with some saying the country won’t change until he leaves.
Police clashed with protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, leading to significant injuries on both sides. Over 150 protesters were hospitalized, while 118 police officers reported injuries during the violent demonstrations.123
The protests, which have been described as some of the largest in years, were sparked by allegations of leaked entrance exam papers for medical schools. The CJP, a youth-led movement that began as a joke, has mobilized young Indians frustrated with the current political climate under Prime Minister Modi.
Videos of the police crackdown, including the use of tear gas and batons, have gone viral, igniting public outrage. Protester John Talwar recounted, "Police in civilian dress hit me with batons… while I was just standing. This country won’t change until Modi leaves."
Anger escalated after activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized during a hunger strike supporting the movement. The education minister has yet to comment on the protests, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained after demanding Modi's resignation.67
The CJP's demands reflect a broader discontent among India's youth, who are calling for accountability and change in a political landscape dominated by the BJP for over a decade.
“Videos of police using tear gas against mostly young protesters sparked outrage despite a government-ordered internet shutdown. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site and hospitalized, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained after staging a sit-in.”
CNN
