India
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that a video he posted on social media appealing to Delhi Police for permission to install rain shelters at the Jantar Mantar protest site was blocked in India. The activist questioned the decision, asking what was objectionable about a video that, according to him, merely requested basic protection for students participating in the ongoing demonstration.
The protest, which has now entered its 20th day, is being held against alleged irregularities in several major examinations and recruitment processes. Demonstrators are demanding greater accountability from the government and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over claims of paper leaks and examination-related controversies.
Sharing screenshots on social media, Dipke claimed that the video had become inaccessible in India. In his post, he wrote that the clip contained nothing controversial and only showed him requesting authorities to allow temporary tents or tarpaulins to protect students from heavy monsoon rains.
Earlier on Thursday, Dipke accused Delhi Police of refusing to permit tarpaulin sheets at the protest venue despite intense rainfall in the national capital. In a video recorded from the site, he alleged that students participating in the agitation had been left exposed to harsh weather conditions while police personnel remained sheltered from the rain.
According to Dipke, many students spent the night in difficult circumstances after rainwater soaked mattresses, bedsheets, clothes and personal belongings. He claimed that several participants were falling ill due to prolonged exposure to the weather. Addressing police officials in the video, he argued that students should not be forced to endure such conditions while waiting for administrative approval to install protective coverings.
The activist also highlighted the age of many protesters, noting that several are young students between 19 and 20 years old who have been camping at the protest site for days. He said the lack of adequate shelter had made conditions increasingly challenging as Delhi’s monsoon season intensified.
Meanwhile, concerns have also grown over the health of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been observing an indefinite fast in solidarity with the protesters. According to a medical bulletin cited by PTI, Wangchuk’s health condition showed signs of deterioration after 11 days without food.
Doctors reported that Wangchuk had lost more than seven kilograms since beginning the fast. His weight was recorded at 59.40 kilograms, while his blood pressure remained within monitored levels. Medical staff stated that his heart rate, blood glucose and oxygen saturation were being closely observed. Despite the weight loss, doctors noted that he remained mentally alert and adequately hydrated.
In a related development, AISA member Hrishikesh, who was also participating in an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after suffering severe health complications.
As the protest continues, questions surrounding examination transparency, student welfare and the handling of demonstrations remain at the center of the growing agitation in the national capital.
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