‘What was objectionable?’: Dipke says video pleading with police for tents at Jantar Mantar protest ‘deleted by govt’
Dipke Questions Government's Removal of Video Plea for Tents at Jantar Mantar Protest
What was objectionable - Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, claimed on Thursday that his video, in which he requested the Delhi police to permit tents at the Jantar Mantar protest site during the monsoon, had been removed by the Central government. The video, which he described as a straightforward plea for shelter, sparked debate over the government’s decision to block it.
Ongoing Protest Targets Examination Irregularities
The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, now in its 20th day, focuses on alleged examination misconduct. Dipke expressed confusion over the video’s removal, questioning its content. “This video has been blocked by the Govt in India. What was objectionable in this video? I was just pleading to the police to allow us to set up tents for rain,” he wrote, accompanied by screenshots of the original post and the blocked version.
Students Left Exposed During Rain
In a video posted on X, Dipke highlighted that students were left without shelter during the downpour, while police officers remained dry under their tarpaulins. As monsoon rain continued to batter Delhi, he described how many protesters at the site had been drenched, with some falling ill due to prolonged exposure. “We are soaked. All the students are soaked. Our clothes are drenched. People are falling sick. Please show everyone Sir's uniform. Look at it — it's shining as white as ever (Tide ki safedi jaise chamak rhi hai). Please show everyone Sir's shoes. Not even a single drop of rain has fallen on his uniform or shoes,” he said in the video.
Health Concerns for Protesters
Dipke further pointed out that students, aged 19 to 20, had endured a sleepless night as rainwater soaked their belongings, leaving them exposed and vulnerable. “They couldn't sleep until late last night because of the rain. They are standing here for this very reason. Those students couldn't sleep. Mattresses got soaked. Their bedsheets got wet. So until orders come, should the children just keep getting drenched? How is that acceptable? Look at all our senior officers. Just look at how clean and shiny their uniforms are. Not even a single drop of rain has fallen on them. They haven't even been touched by water,” he said.
Health Deterioration of Activists
Meanwhile, educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast to support the protest, experienced further health decline. According to a medical bulletin cited by PTI, his weight had dropped by over seven kilograms since starting the fast 11 days ago, reaching 59.40 kg. His blood pressure was recorded at 103/68 mm Hg while sitting and 111/73 mm Hg when lying down. Doctors noted a stable heart rate of 74 beats per minute, blood glucose level of 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation at 98 per cent, though his hydration levels were fair.
AISA member Hrishikesh, also part of the hunger strike at the protest site, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after severe health complications emerged, as reported by the news agency.
Shivam Pratap Singh, a digital journalist and Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, has over half-a-decade of experience in digital journalism. His career began in print, and he has covered national, international, and sports events across various platforms. Shivam holds a Master's degree in International Relations from Jamia Millia Islamia, offering a unique perspective on global affairs and India’s political landscape. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, often found in bookstores or engrossed in literature.