Heads Are Rolling? AAP Links New Delhi Police Chief’s Appointment to Growing CJP Protest

The appointment of senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar as the new Delhi Police Commissioner has sparked a political controversy, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging that the move is directly linked to the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

On Friday, former Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that the sudden change in Delhi Police leadership reflected growing concern within the Central government over the scale and momentum of the protest movement. Kumar, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre and former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, replaced Satish Golcha, who had been serving as Delhi Police Commissioner since August 2025.

Bharadwaj suggested that the transfer was a sign that “heads are rolling” within the administration. Referring to reports that cited concerns over the handling of the protest, he argued that authorities had underestimated the level of public support the movement would attract.

Taking to social media, the AAP leader dismissed claims that the CJP was aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party. He described the protest as an unexpected grassroots mobilisation that allegedly caught intelligence and police agencies off guard. According to Bharadwaj, the growing support for the movement represented a “blind spot” for law enforcement assessments and had triggered alarm within the government.

The controversy comes as organisers prepare for a major march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Bharadwaj alleged that the Centre was increasingly worried about the turnout and public response to the demonstration, which he claimed was the reason behind the urgent appointment of a new police commissioner.

Anurag Kumar officially assumed charge at Delhi Police Headquarters on Jai Singh Road after the Union government issued an order approving his appointment with immediate effect. The order stated that he would serve as Commissioner from the date he took charge until further instructions. His appointment comes roughly nine months before Satish Golcha’s expected retirement.

Meanwhile, the protest movement at Jantar Mantar continues to gather attention. Activist Sonam Wangchuk marked the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Friday. Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak controversy.

Addressing supporters gathered at the protest site, Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to continue the fast and called for a peaceful demonstration on July 20. He urged supporters to participate in the planned march to Parliament, describing it as an opportunity to place their demands before what he called the “temple of democracy.”

With political accusations intensifying, a change in Delhi Police leadership, and a major protest planned for the start of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, the developments are likely to remain at the centre of political debate in the coming days.