Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur
Nagpur, Jun 16: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is set to stage a protest in Nagpur on Tuesday demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET (UG) paper leak controversy, prompting police to tighten security arrangements in anticipation of a large turnout.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would arrive in the city on June 16 and urged residents, particularly students and youth, to gather at Samvidhan Square at 4 pm for a peaceful demonstration.
The party has been demanding Pradhan’s resignation following the NEET (UG) paper leak scandal that surfaced last month.
The planned protest comes a day after Dipke was allegedly assaulted during a demonstration in Jaipur, where two men reportedly slapped him multiple times while supporters carried him on their shoulders. Police later detained two youths in connection with the incident.
Ahead of the Nagpur protest, Dipke is scheduled to address a press conference at noon on Tuesday, organisers said.
Police officials expect more than 2,000 youths to participate in the demonstration. Activists from Nagpur and several districts across the Vidarbha region are also expected to join after appeals were circulated on social media.
In view of the expected crowd, police have intensified security across key parts of the city.
“We have made comprehensive arrangements to ensure that the protest is conducted peacefully. Adequate police personnel will be deployed at Samvidhan Chowk and other sensitive locations to maintain law and order,” a senior police officer said.
According to officials, the security deployment will include four Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), three Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), 18 police inspectors, 45 assistant police inspectors and sub-inspectors, along with 470 male and 170 female police personnel. Two Riot Control Platoon units have also been kept on standby as a precautionary measure.
Police Commissioner Ravindrakumar Singal said the force was fully prepared to handle the situation.
“Everyone has the right to protest peacefully. However, any attempt to violate the law, create unrest or disturb public peace will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against anyone found breaking the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, traffic police have announced diversions on several major roads, including Samvidhan Chowk, Variety Chowk, Zero Mile and Sitabuldi. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes and cooperate with authorities.
Police have also appealed to citizens and protesters to maintain peace and ensure the event passes off without any untoward incident.