Internet suspended around Jantar Mantar as NEET leak protest enters Day 34

Jantar Mantar remains the epicentre of the agitation led by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been spearheading demonstrations demanding accountability over the examination controversy.

In addition to the internet shutdown, authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibits large gatherings, outside Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence.

Police personnel were deployed in the area and issued warnings to people against assembling.

Connaught Place businesses shut early

The heightened security measures also disrupted business activity in the capital.

Following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), shops and restaurants in Connaught Place closed by 6.30 pm.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal shared the advisory on X and questioned whether the government was preparing for a crackdown at Jantar Mantar later in the night.

Delhi Police, however, dismissed the speculation.

"There is no plan of Delhi Police to crack down on the ongoing protest tonight as is being conveyed. You are advised to refrain from spreading or circulating any misleading or unverified information," the force said in a statement.

Opposition reaches Gandhi Smriti

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and MPs from the INDIA bloc reached Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg after holding a strategy meeting at the Leader of the Opposition's residence.

The visit formed part of the Opposition's ongoing campaign in support of students protesting the NEET paper leak and those allegedly injured during demonstrations.

Talks between Centre and CJP remain deadlocked

Even as the protests entered their 34th day, negotiations between the Centre and the CJP remained at an impasse.

The Centre claimed it had reached out to the protesters four times without receiving a response.

After meeting Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government remained open to dialogue and invited student representatives to meet at BJP president J.P. Nadda's residence or office.

The CJP, however, insisted that any talks should take place at "a neutral place near Jantar Mantar."

Protests intensified after Parliament march

The government's latest offer for talks comes days after tens of thousands of students, led by the CJP, attempted to march to Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Earlier this week, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met BJP president J.P. Nadda and submitted a charter of demands. While Nadda described the meeting as "cordial", he said the initiative for talks had come from the protesters.

On the same day, Delhi Police used tear gas and carried out a baton charge to disperse demonstrators near Parliament.

Witnesses reported injuries to both protesters and police personnel, while videos showing officers dragging and striking protesters circulated widely on social media, fuelling criticism over the handling of the demonstrations.

The agitation gathered further momentum over the weekend after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken to a hospital by police, triggering fresh outrage and renewed participation in the protests.