The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday urged the Central government to honour its reported assurance that no punitive action would be taken against participants of its nationwide anti-NEET protest, expressing concern over alleged detentions and arrests of student protesters in several states.
In a statement issued by CJP leader Saurav Das, the party claimed it had received “multiple reports” of students and other demonstrators being “targeted, detained, or arrested” by state agencies, particularly in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. CJP maintained that it had suspended its nationwide agitation only after the Government of India assured that no action would be taken against protesters in BJP-ruled or NDA-ruled states.
Calling the reported developments a breach of that assurance, the party demanded the immediate release of all detainees, withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters and an end to any further punitive action. It also warned that it would take “further necessary steps” if its demands were not met by Tuesday. At the time of writing, the Central government and the governments of the states named by CJP had not officially responded to the allegations or confirmed any arrests linked to the protests.
CJP Demands Release of Protesters
In its statement, CJP described the alleged detentions as “a matter of grave concern”, arguing that they contradicted the understanding reached between the party and the Centre when it decided to pause its nationwide agitation.
According to Saurav Das, reports from different parts of the country suggested that students and supporters who had participated in peaceful demonstrations were facing police action despite the government’s reported assurance that no punitive measures would follow. “We have received multiple reports of students and protestors being targeted, detained or arrested,” the statement said, specifically naming Assam, West Bengal and Bihar as states where such incidents were allegedly taking place. Ashutosh Ranka also took to X and commented about this situation.
The party urged authorities to immediately release everyone detained in connection with the protests, withdraw all FIRs and other legal proceedings filed against demonstrators, and ensure that no further action is initiated against those who exercised their democratic right to protest. CJP also cautioned that if these demands were not addressed by Tuesday, it would be compelled to consider “further necessary steps”, signalling the possibility of renewed agitation. While the party has publicly voiced its concerns, no official statement from the Union government or the respective state administrations has yet been issued to verify or refute the allegations.
Dear @JPNadda @DrJitendraSingh ji,
— Ashutosh Ranka (@AshutoshRanka) July 27, 2026
We are observing a complete breach of the agreement regarding no police action against the protestors. Hundreds of students have been arrested in Bihar and Bengal, and hundreds are being surveilled/harrassed in Delhi and other states. Multiple…
Protests Followed Anti-NEET Campaign
The latest statement comes against the backdrop of CJP’s nationwide movement over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and broader concerns surrounding transparency and accountability in the education system. Over the past several weeks, the organisation mobilised students and youth across multiple states, organising demonstrations and public campaigns demanding reforms and accountability.
The agitation had intensified before being suspended after discussions between CJP representatives and the Central government, during which the party said it received assurances that participants would not face legal consequences for joining the protests. It was on the basis of those assurances, according to CJP, that the nationwide agitation was paused. The fresh allegations have now raised questions over whether those commitments are being implemented on the ground.
Although CJP has pointed to reports from several states, the precise number of people allegedly detained or arrested has not been independently verified. Similarly, authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the reported police action was directly linked to the anti-NEET protests or taken under other circumstances. As the Tuesday deadline set by the party approaches, attention is likely to remain on whether the government responds to CJP’s demands or clarifies the status of the reported cases.
🚨STATEMENT
— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) July 27, 2026
We are deeply concerned by multiple reports reaching us of students and other protestors being targeted, detained, or arrested by various state agencies, particularly in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.
The Cockroach Janta Party had called off its nationwide protest…
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Democratic societies are strengthened when disagreements are addressed through dialogue rather than distrust. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right and an important avenue through which citizens, particularly young people, can voice concerns on issues that affect their future. At the same time, governments have a responsibility to maintain public order while ensuring that law enforcement actions are fair, proportionate and transparent. If assurances were indeed given that peaceful protesters would not face punitive action, clarity from the authorities is essential to prevent confusion, restore confidence and uphold public trust.
Equally, allegations of arrests and detentions deserve prompt verification so that facts, rather than speculation, guide public discourse. Open communication between governments, institutions and citizens remains the most effective way to resolve conflicts and reinforce democratic values rooted in accountability and mutual respect. Do you believe governments should publicly clarify the status of protesters whenever assurances are made during negotiations, and how can trust between authorities and citizens be better protected during public movements?
