Cockroach founder Abhijeet Dipke slapped in Jaipur Protest

In a troubling incident in Jaipur on Monday, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was physically assaulted just moments before he was set to speak at a public gathering. Supporters had lifted him onto their shoulders to carry him through the crowd toward the stage when unidentified individuals intervened. They pulled at his scarf, delivered multiple slaps, and tried to drag him down, according to circulating video footage of the event.

Dipke had organized the assembly as a peaceful demonstration at Shaheed Smarak, scheduled for 3 pm. Despite the disruption, he proceeded with his address following the altercation. Details about any injuries or the identities of those responsible remain limited at this stage.

The episode comes amid CJP’s expanding series of protests across the country. The group, which positions itself as a satirical political front, began its campaign with a significant student rally in New Delhi. Subsequent demonstrations drew young participants in cities including Amritsar, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Lucknow.

At the heart of the movement are demands for accountability in the education system. Leaders have called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing serious concerns over irregularities in major examinations such as the NEET paper leaks and issues with CBSE processes. Dipke has described the campaign as a growing platform for the voices of India’s youth and has indicated plans for further actions, including a potential return to the capital if demands are not met.

The CJP gained prominence in May following widespread reactions to comments made by Chief Justice Surya Kant. Supporters have since transformed the derogatory term “cockroach” into a badge of defiance, helping the group build a substantial online presence. Prominent figures such as activist Sonam Wangchuk and actor Prakash Raj have lent their support to the protests in various locations.

The Jaipur incident underscores the charged atmosphere surrounding these youth-driven mobilizations. While the protests aim to highlight systemic challenges in education and governance, the physical confrontation raises questions about the safety of public assemblies and the challenges of maintaining order amid passionate crowds. Organizers continue to emphasize non-violent participation as the movement spreads further across India.