Nagpur: Confusion all around and security personnel dispersing protesters with lathi charge and tear gas that left them bruised and battered is what some of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members from Nagpur recall about their participation in the recent ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in Delhi.Chaitanya Kavy Dhruv, associated with CJP and Zenith youth organisation, claimed he was assaulted while escorting Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, to the stage. “The police asked us to move away from the barricades. There was a delay of just a few seconds, and they started the lathi charge. I was hit around six times on my back,” Dhruv alleged.Dhruv also claimed to have suffered injuries to his face. “I experienced loss of smell and taste since last night following the use of tear gas,” he said, adding, “I have rashes below my eyes.”He is now awaiting his medical reports. He alleged that about four-five individuals in civilian clothes were also seen assaulting protesters. “One of them was wearing a white shirt and blue jeans,” he claimed.After the initial confrontation, the protesters were allegedly prevented from moving forward. Dhruv alleged that CJP founder Abhijit Dipke was stopped near the barricades. “Later in the day, I received a call from a 17-year-old acquaintance who, along with a group of teenagers, was stranded near Connaught Place. They were frightened and asked for help. My friend Piyush Agarwal and I took them safely to a Metro station and returned,” he said.Durgesh Kuhik, among the early members of the CJP movement in Nagpur, said around 30 people from the city travelled to Delhi. “The actual turnout from Nagpur was likely over 300. Our trip was self-funded. Many people who were not a part of CJP also came on their own,” Durgesh said.He added that protesters remained emotionally charged even after the clashes. “Volunteers are trying to maintain calm,” he said. Kuhik claimed that some protesters sustained serious injuries, with some admitted to the ICU.Bharat Banait, whose “Maaro Sir, Maaro” video went viral, shifted to a safe location fearing detention. He has now rejoined the protesters at Jantar Mantar.sumukhkulkarnijourno@gmail.com
