Delhi experienced significant violence on Monday, July 20th, 2026, during ongoing protests that left at least 60 protesters wounded and 118 police officers injured. Protesters brought injured individuals to Jantar Mantar, including a young man with a severe head wound and another with a broken leg, where volunteer doctors provided aid.

The protests, described by some as the "cockroach" protest, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition and the Congress party, called the students' demands "legitimate" and labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi "as the most anti-youth prime minister India has ever had." On Tuesday, July 21st, 2026, Gandhi led a march with Congress members, including MPs, to Modi's residence to "demand answers from him for the brutalities against young students yesterday."

Gandhi also posted on X that both the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah, who oversees the police, "must resign for destroying the future of India's youth." He accused the government of avoiding accountability and parliamentary debate on the issue. After backlash over his remarks, Gandhi clarified that his criticism targeted those with "fake and bogus degrees."

The protesters have been accused by authorities of attacking police with stones, attempting to breach barricades, vandalizing vehicles, damaging public property, and engaging in large-scale violence. Police and the Modi government have not commented on the reported use of sticks and tear gas against protesters.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das reported that a brief 10-minute meeting with BJP leader Nadda ended with a promise that the government would look into the matter, though no concrete assurances were given. Authorities have urged protesters to end their sit-in and help restore normalcy.

Sources