Police Clash With Protesters in New Delhi and Mumbai

Authorities in New Delhi and Mumbai launched widespread crackdowns on political and student protests on July 20, 2026. In New Delhi, Delhi Police used tear gas, batons, and the Rapid Action Force to stop a march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party. The protesters, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, breached barricades near the Parliament Street Police Station. The clash resulted in multiple injuries, the detention of over 20 people, and the temporary closure of five Delhi Metro stations during the start of Parliament's Monsoon Session.

In Mumbai, the Greater Mumbai Police filed First Information Reports against organizers of several protests, including a demonstration at Shivaji Park led by Uddhav Thackeray. The protests focused on the forced removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from a hunger strike and education sector irregularities. In response to the unrest, Mumbai Police issued prohibitory orders barring assemblies of five or more people from July 23 until midnight on August 6, 2026.

While the Central Bureau of Investigation continues to probe examination leak networks, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das stated that discussions with government representatives are currently underway. Opposition leaders and student groups have accused the government of suppressing dissent through the use of force and internet suspensions.