New Delhi: Fresh clashes erupted between protesters and Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar and Tolstoy Marg on Wednesday, further escalating tensions in the heart of the national capital as the agitation over alleged examination paper leaks entered another volatile phase. Amid the deteriorating law-and-order situation, authorities suspended mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi and tightened security across the high-security zone surrounding Parliament.
The confrontation broke out when a group of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar attempted to move towards Tolstoy Marg despite heavy police barricading and prohibitory restrictions in the area. According to Delhi Police, some protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and hurled bottles at security personnel after being stopped, leaving several police personnel injured.
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as protesters and security forces confronted each other near barricades. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and additional police contingents were rushed to the area to disperse the crowd and prevent protesters from advancing towards Parliament.
Police officials said several personnel, including officers of different ranks, sustained injuries during the clashes. Authorities also claimed that public property was damaged during the violence and that evidence was being collected from CCTV cameras and video footage to identify those responsible.
Protesters, however, accused the police of using excessive force to disperse what they described as a peaceful demonstration. They alleged that security personnel resorted to baton charges and forcibly removed demonstrators after refusing to allow them to proceed beyond the barricades. Independent verification of the competing claims was not immediately available.
Fresh clashes between protestors & police personnel reported from at the Jantar Mantar protest site this evening.
— some youth seen returning the blows, but others try to restrain them
— Unclear as of now what exactly provoked tonight’s violence, but police had to resort to…
— Dhairya Maheshwari (@dhairyam14) July 22, 2026
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by students from across the country, have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy. The agitation has intensified following the “Chalo Sansad” call earlier this week, which witnessed large-scale confrontations between protesters and police.
As a precautionary measure, the government suspended mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi to prevent the spread of rumours and coordinate security operations. Officials said the suspension would remain in force until further orders, depending on the evolving situation.
Fresh clashes broke out near Jantar Mantar, with several protesters seen intervening to control unruly elements amid the confrontation with RAF personnel. pic.twitter.com/7AeggUkXNZ
— Subodh Srivastava (@SuboSrivastava) July 22, 2026
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Security arrangements across Lutyens’ Delhi were further strengthened, with additional barricades erected around Parliament, key government buildings and major intersections. Several Delhi Metro stations in the vicinity remained closed for entry and exit, while traffic diversions caused significant disruption to commuters.
Delhi Police appealed to protesters to maintain peace and avoid violating prohibitory orders, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in violence, vandalism or attacks on public servants.
Several cases have already been registered in connection with recent incidents of violence, including allegations of rioting, assault on police personnel and damage to public property. Investigators are examining video footage from the latest clashes to identify those involved.
The fresh violence came even as political temperatures continued to rise over the handling of the protests. Opposition parties have accused the government of suppressing peaceful student demonstrations through excessive policing, while the Centre has maintained that law enforcement agencies are acting strictly to preserve public order and protect high-security zones during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
With heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces continuing across central Delhi, the situation remained tense on Wednesday evening, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent any further escalation.
