Delhi Police has stepped up its investigation into the violence that erupted during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests by directing several social media platforms to remove posts, videos and comments that allegedly contained abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to police sources, the force’s Social Media Monitoring Team identified the content before issuing notices to online intermediaries under applicable legal provisions, following which multiple posts were taken down.
Officials said the exercise is ongoing, with authorities continuing to monitor existing and newly uploaded content linked to the protests to prevent material they believe could provoke unrest or disturb public order.
The digital crackdown comes as investigators examine CCTV footage, mobile videos, media recordings and social media activity alongside multiple FIRs registered after violence broke out during the “Sansad Chalo” march and subsequent demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
While police maintain the measures are aimed at ensuring law and order and supporting the investigation, the move has also reignited a wider debate around the balance between public safety, content moderation and freedom of expression.
Police Expand Digital Probe
According to police sources, the latest action forms part of a wider investigation into the violence that accompanied the CJP-led protests in the national capital. Officials said the Social Media Monitoring Team has been tasked with continuously scanning posts, comments, videos and live streams across multiple online platforms to identify content considered abusive, provocative or capable of inciting violence.
Whenever such material is detected, notices are issued to the respective platforms requesting its removal in accordance with the law. Police sources said the monitoring is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing process, with both existing posts and fresh uploads being scrutinised.
Investigators are also analysing CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings, digital communications and media visuals to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify individuals allegedly involved in the violence. Multiple FIRs have already been registered in connection with the unrest, and officials indicated that digital evidence has become a key component of the investigation.
While authorities have confirmed that several platforms complied with the takedown notices, they have not disclosed the number of notices issued, the identities of the account holders involved, the specific platforms that acted on the requests or whether any criminal proceedings will follow against users whose content was removed.
From Protest to Investigation
The CJP movement initially emerged over allegations of irregularities in national entrance examinations before evolving into a broader youth-led campaign demanding accountability from the Union government. The protests reached a flashpoint during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march towards Parliament, where clashes broke out after police stopped demonstrators from proceeding further.
The violence at and around Jantar Mantar led to injuries, multiple criminal cases and an extensive investigation by Delhi Police. Since then, investigators have increasingly relied on digital evidence, including viral videos, social media posts and live streams, to establish the sequence of events and determine whether any online content contributed to public disorder or incited violence.
Earlier in the investigation, Delhi Police also stated that hundreds of social media accounts were being examined for allegedly spreading misinformation related to the protests. Officials additionally claimed that several Pakistan-based social media handles had circulated edited videos and false information regarding the demonstrations, urging citizens to verify content before sharing it online.
Similar action was taken by Noida Police, which registered FIRs against certain social media accounts accused of spreading misleading information linked to the protests. Meanwhile, following negotiations between CJP representatives and the Centre, the protest movement was eventually withdrawn after the government reportedly agreed to consider several demands related to examination reforms and compensation measures.
Despite the protests ending, police have maintained that their investigation remains active and that online monitoring will continue until all aspects of the violence have been examined.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The digital sphere has become an inseparable extension of public life, particularly during moments of political mobilisation and civil protest. Law enforcement agencies have a legitimate responsibility to act against content that incites violence, spreads misinformation or threatens public safety. Equally, democratic societies rely on the protection of lawful criticism, dissent and free expression, even when such opinions are uncomfortable for those in power.
As investigations continue, it is essential that any action taken against online content is transparent, proportionate and grounded firmly in due process rather than broad or subjective interpretations of what constitutes objectionable speech. Public trust is strengthened when authorities clearly explain the legal basis for such actions and ensure that enforcement is consistent, accountable and respectful of constitutional rights.
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