Police disperse student protesters in New Delhi demanding education minister's resignation

On July 20, police in New Delhi used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of protesters, primarily students, marching toward the federal parliament. The demonstrators, organized by a group known as the 'Cockroach Party,' demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protesters accused the government of fraud and irregularities in university entrance examinations. Delhi police had previously declared the protest illegal, warning of criminal prosecution for participants. Despite police barricades, thousands gathered in the capital to protest as the summer session of parliament began. Video footage and witness accounts documented police using force to detain individuals and load them into buses. Protesters characterized their movement as a peaceful democratic demonstration, while authorities cited security concerns for public buildings and the parliament. No official casualty count was provided, though participants alleged physical abuse by police officers.