Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Delhi Police Open Probe into July 20 CJP Protest Violence
Delhi Police have opened a new investigation into violence at a protest on July 20.
The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party.
Police say officers were assaulted and vehicles and other public property were damaged.
Protesters, however, said police used too much force against them.
Investigators will try to find out who was responsible and whether the violence was planned.
Police also said facial recognition identified 2,873 people with criminal backgrounds, but estimated that the system is only about 50 per cent accurate.
A police officer said permission had not been granted for another CJP protest announced for two days after the report.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch registered an FIR to investigate violence during the Cockroach Janta Party protest on July 20.
Investigators will seek to identify those allegedly responsible and examine whether the violence was premeditated or criminal elements entered the protest.
Police cited alleged assaults on officers, vandalism and damage to public property, including police vehicles.
Protesters had alleged that police used excessive force; the article does not report a finding on that allegation.
Police said facial recognition identified 2,873 people with criminal backgrounds, while estimating the system's accuracy at about 50 per cent.
- Who
- The Delhi Police Crime Branch is investigating violence during a Cockroach Janta Party protest; protesters and police are described as having made differing claims about force.
- What
- Police registered an FIR to investigate the violence, identify those allegedly responsible and examine whether it was premeditated.
- When
- The protest took place on July 20; the FIR was reported on October 8.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The investigation aims to determine who was responsible for the violence and whether it was planned.
Police account
Protesters' account
Use of force during the protest
Police account
Police cited alleged assaults on personnel, vandalism and damage to public property, and are investigating who was responsible.
Protesters' account
Protesters alleged that police used excessive force against them.
- Investigating unit
- Crime Branch of the Delhi Police
- Protest date
- July 20
- FIR report date
- October 8
- People identified by facial recognition
- 2,873 people with criminal backgrounds, according to police
- Facial recognition accuracy
- Police estimated it at approximately 50 per cent
- Earlier FIRs
- The report says the Supreme Court directed the cancellation of 17 FIRs registered at multiple New Delhi district police stations.
- Next announced protest
- The CJP announced a protest at Jantar Mantar two days after the report; police said permission had not been granted.