RAF attacked: Police intensify investigation into CJP violence

Delhi Police has intensified its investigation into the violence that erupted during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) Sansad Chalo march, examining over 250 videos with artificial intelligence while significantly bolstering security across the New Delhi district after two Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were allegedly attacked in Connaught Place on Tuesday.

The heightened investigation comes as the Union Home Ministry approved the deployment of 30 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the national capital after the Delhi Police sought reinforcements to maintain law and order amid ongoing protests by the CJP, student organisations, and Opposition parties over alleged question paper leaks.

With the fresh deployment, Delhi Police now has 45 companies of central forces, around 4,500 personnel, at its disposal until July 27. These include 24 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 15 of the RAF, 3 of the Border Security Force (BSF), 1 of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and 2 of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The additional CRPF personnel are being airlifted from West Bengal following directions from the Home Ministry.

Apart from the CAPF deployment, the New Delhi district has also witnessed a heavy presence of Tripura Rifles and BSF personnel units at key locations, particularly around Parliament Street, Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place.

The security build-up follows the attack on two RAF personnel in Connaught Place on Tuesday night. According to police, a scuffle broke out after RAF personnel intervened during an assault on a man amid the protests. One of the personnel allegedly got separated from his colleagues and was attacked by a mob armed with swords and sticks.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly show the officer attempting to flee before being chased, tripped and assaulted. A second RAF personnel who tried to rescue his colleague was also allegedly attacked and sustained injuries. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Anand Kumar Mishra confirmed that an FIR has been registered in connection with the attack.

So far, Delhi Police has registered 10 FIRs linked to the protests across the New Delhi district. Four FIRs have been lodged at Parliament Street police station, three at Connaught Place, and one each at Mandir Marg, Barakhamba Road and Kartavya Path police stations.

The cases include allegations of criminal conspiracy, obstruction of government work, assault on police personnel, damage to public property, unauthorised drone operations during the Parliament session, and violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.

Police sources said investigators are analysing footage from CCTV cameras, mobile phones and social media to identify those responsible for the violence that broke out during the July 20 protest. Sources reportedly said they were probing conversations on BitChat, a messaging application that can operate without internet connectivity, to determine whether the unrest was preplanned.

Police have alleged that protesters turned aggressive and violent during Monday’s demonstration and refused to disperse despite repeated warnings. Investigators are now examining whether the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy; the analysis of digital evidence is expected to play a crucial role in identifying those involved.

The ongoing protests have been led by the CJP and backed by several student organisations and Opposition parties, who are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks.