New Delhi- On the 13th day of the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities, Delhi Police personnel allegedly cracked down on the AISF Free Students’ Library, a public initiative set up to promote reading and political awareness among protesters and visitors.

According to eyewitness accounts and statements from CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and AISF leaders, police attempted to dismantle the library stall and threw several books and posters onto the ground. Among the titles allegedly disrespected was “Shivaji Kon Hota?” by Govind Pansare, an act widely condemned as an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Books on Bhagat Singh were also reportedly thrown.

Students who peacefully questioned the police action were stopped from recording the incident on their phones, obstructed from distributing books, and prevented from continuing their activities. Two AISF activists, Bittu and Vishal, were detained and taken to Parliament Street Police Station, where they were allegedly physically assaulted, slapped repeatedly, subjected to inhuman treatment, and threatened with false cases. One of the students sustained visible bruises on his neck.

Following strong protests by students and democratic forces, both activists were later released. Condemning the assault on students, the attack on the Free Students’ Library, and the desecration of books symbolizing icons of resistance, a dharna was called on Thursday evening at the police booth in front of Jantar Mantar. The protest was led by CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke and co-led by AISF National President Viraaj Devang.

The primary demand was a public apology from ACP Ajay Sharma for the alleged disrespect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (and Bhagat Singh) and the brutal treatment of innocent students. AISF and CJP called upon students, youth, democratic organisations, and citizens who value the right to read, dissent, and peaceful protest to join in solidarity.

As of the latest updates from Jantar Mantar, the broader CJP protest continues with heightened police presence. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains on hunger strike, with concerns over his deteriorating health. CJP has also accused authorities of increasing security to suppress voices rather than address core demands like systemic education reforms and accountability for paper leaks.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has demanded the immediate suspension of ACP Ajay Sharma and accountability for the incident. The episode has sparked fresh debate on police conduct during protests and the symbolic importance of educational initiatives like the AISF library, which has been a distinctive feature of the CJP agitation since its early days.