Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (KJP) marching toward Parliament in New Delhi on Monday allegedly tried to pull down barricades in the high security zone, prompting security forces to baton-charge the crowd near Sansad Marg. Sources said the protesters attempted to remove and cross several barriers around 11:25 am.
Tear gas and baton charge to stop the crowd
Security personnel fired tear gas shells to keep the protesters from reaching Parliament House. As the situation escalated, security around the building was stepped up sharply and every gate was shut, with no one allowed to enter or exit. The CISF took full control of the complex and moved in to secure it.
PM Modi heads back to residence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had arrived at Parliament for the Monsoon session, returned to his residence as the standoff unfolded. The protesters had been planning to march right up to Parliament House, and it was during this push that a clash-like situation broke out near the barricades.
Minor injuries reported, over a dozen detained
Some protesters and policemen suffered minor injuries during the scuffle. Sources said 10 to 15 protesters were taken into custody following the incident.
Heavy police deployment across the area
A large police force, along with plainclothes personnel, was deployed across the area to maintain law and order and stop protesters from advancing further toward Parliament. New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, however, said, "No Delhi Police personnel has so far used force against the protesters."
