Delhi Police releases footage allegedly showing a CRPF constable being assaulted during the CJP’s Tiranga march. (Img: X)
New Delhi: Delhi Police has released video footage purportedly showing a woman slapping and misbehaving with a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) Lehra Do Tiranga march in central Delhi, adding a fresh flashpoint to the political controversy surrounding the protest. According to police sources, the alleged incident occurred near Gate No. 6 of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, close to Connaught Place, on Friday evening, October 16, 2026.
Police sources told media outlets that the woman allegedly presented herself as a YouTuber before assaulting the paramilitary personnel. Authorities are examining footage from multiple cameras to identify individuals suspected of targeting police officers and paramilitary personnel during the demonstration. Officials have indicated that legal action may be initiated against those found involved in the alleged incidents.
The release of the video comes amid heightened security in central Delhi following a series of confrontations and detentions linked to CJP’s protest campaign. The episode is likely to intensify scrutiny of the demonstration, the conduct of participants and the police response to gatherings around Connaught Place.
According to police sources, several police and paramilitary personnel were allegedly targeted during the October 16 demonstration. Investigators are examining available camera footage to establish the sequence of events, identify those allegedly involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the reported assault on the CRPF constable.
Police sources have indicated that individuals suspected of assaulting or misbehaving with security personnel could face legal proceedings. Authorities are also assessing footage reportedly capturing confrontations involving protesters and security forces.
The police have released the video as part of their account of the incident. However, the allegations against individuals seen in the footage would need to be established through the investigation and applicable legal proceedings.
The demonstration took place amid a substantial security deployment across central Delhi. Reports indicated that more than 150 people were detained as security personnel moved to regulate the gathering and prevent unauthorised assemblies. The possibility of additional cases over alleged assaults on police and paramilitary personnel has also been indicated.
The CJP, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, had called for the Lehra Do Tiranga march at 5 pm on Friday, October 16, in the Connaught Place area. The proposed demonstration was intended to protest the detention of CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, which the organisation had challenged as unlawful.
Das and Ranka were detained earlier in the week after allegedly attempting to enter Jantar Mantar, which had been denotified as a protest venue. Their detention became a rallying point for the organisation, which subsequently announced the flag march.
The CJP and opposition INDIA bloc have also been organising parallel demonstrations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The SIR exercise has emerged as a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties raising concerns over the electoral revision process and demanding its rollback.
The protests have unfolded against the backdrop of disagreements over permissible demonstration sites, restrictions imposed by authorities and the handling of political gatherings in the national capital.
Delhi Police took CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and All India Students’ Association (AISA) chief Neha Bora into preventive custody ahead of the proposed Connaught Place march.
According to the police, Bora was released on Saturday morning, October 17, while Dipke was scheduled to be produced before a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court. The developments followed a series of detentions linked to the CJP’s attempts to organise demonstrations at locations where authorities had restricted or prohibited protests.
Police officials also said Dipke had been served two notices directing him not to visit Central Park in Connaught Place for the planned agitation. According to the police account, he had furnished a bond of Rs 50,000 and had been directed to maintain public peace for one year.
The latest developments highlight the continuing friction between protest organisers and law enforcement agencies over compliance with preventive orders, restrictions on public gatherings and the use of designated protest venues.
The alleged assault on the CRPF constable has added another dimension to the wider controversy surrounding the CJP-led protests. While the organisation has mobilised supporters around demands concerning the detention of its members and the SIR exercise, the police have focused on enforcing restrictions and investigating alleged misconduct during demonstrations.
The release of the footage is expected to bring greater attention to the conduct of individuals participating in the march and the possible legal consequences of assaults on security personnel. Investigators will need to establish the identities of those involved and examine the available evidence before determining the next steps.
The episode also underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing politically sensitive gatherings in high-footfall areas such as Connaught Place, where protest activity can affect public movement, transport access and security arrangements.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on the authenticity and context of the footage, the identification of those allegedly involved and the legal action, if any, arising from the incident.
