Delhi Police have issued a detailed clarification regarding the stone-laden truck that sparked intense controversy during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' march at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Following allegations by CJP leaders that the vehicle was intentionally parked near the demonstration zone to incite violence and frame protesters, police authorities completely rejected the claims, stating that the truck's presence was purely due to a prior legal impounding and had no connection whatsoever to the political gathering.
Vehicle Impounded After Road Accident, Police Clarify Sequence of Events
According to official details shared by Delhi Police, the controversial truck was involved in a road collision with a van on July 16, which resulted in injuries to six people. Following the crash, a formal FIR was registered at the local police station, and the vehicle was taken into custody as part of statutory legal procedures. Due to a shortage of adequate parking space inside the premises of the police station, the vehicle was temporarily parked near the Sansad Marg Police Station.
Ahead of the July 20 demonstration, CJP leaders and supporters circulated photographs and video clips across social media platforms, alleging that a truck filled with stones had been pre-positioned near Jantar Mantar. The organization claimed that this was a calculated attempt to turn their peaceful demonstration violent and subsequently implicate the participants. As the accusations gained traction online, police officials explained that extensive security arrangements had been deployed across Jantar Mantar and adjacent areas for the 'Chalo Sansad' rally. As part of safety protocols, officials directed that the stones inside the truck be unloaded and the vehicle moved to another secure location, issuing necessary instructions to the truck owner.
Over 200 Police Personnel Injured in Clashes, Security Forces Clarify Ammunition Use
Delhi Police firmly reiterated that claims suggesting the truck was deliberately parked near a political party office or the protest venue were baseless and misleading. Authorities urged the public not to share unverified rumors on social media and to rely exclusively on official updates. The July 20 march witnessed widespread clashes between security personnel and CJP demonstrators across multiple locations near Jantar Mantar, leaving over 200 police personnel and more than 65 protesters injured.
The confrontation also triggered debate regarding the crowd control measures adopted by security forces. Addressing allegations about the deployment of pellet guns, Delhi Police clarified that such claims were completely untrue. To manage the violent crowd, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) utilized 55 non-electrical shells, 15 electrical shells, 5 tear smoke grenades, 2 anti-riot gun rounds, and 2 plastic pellet rounds. Police highlighted that plastic pellets are specifically engineered to minimize physical harm compared to conventional metallic ammunition.
CJP Demands FIR Withdrawal and Warns of Nation-Wide Protests
Amidst the ongoing dispute, CJP accused the Central Government of reneging on its commitments regarding the withdrawal of cases. Organization officials stated that written assurances regarding the cancellation of FIRs registered against demonstrators had not yet been fulfilled. CJP main spokesperson Sourav Das stated that if the government fails to fulfill its written promises, the organization will expand its agitation beyond Delhi and launch a fresh nationwide movement. While CJP continues to view the parked truck as part of a pre-planned strategy, police maintain that the vehicle was simply impounded evidence related to a previous traffic accident.
