Sixteen Delhi Metro stations, such as Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat, were shut down on Thursday due to heightened security measures in the national capital following violence related to the Jantar Mantar protest. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) stated that interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat would remain operational despite the closure of these stations for entry and exit. The affected stations also include Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, and Shivaji Stadium.
The security measures were implemented in response to the violent protests that erupted on July 20, where supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak. The protests, which started at Jantar Mantar, attracted students, opposition leaders, and activists advocating for accountability in the education system. Delhi Police have promised a thorough investigation into the violence to ensure law and order.
In an effort to maintain peace and prevent further escalation, security has been bolstered in the affected areas. Additional clashes were reported on Wednesday night, with a Delhi Police officer sustaining injuries after being attacked by miscreants who threw stones and bottles at security personnel near Tolstoy Marg in the Connaught Place area around 8:30 p.m. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Connaught Place, Vivek Bhagat, was among those injured in the incident.
