Mumbai: Security personnel remain stationed outside an unoccupied private home in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, as the family of Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old activist based in Boston, maintains a low profile ahead of his anticipated arrival in India.
Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has called for a peaceful demonstration beginning at the airport and proceeding to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6. His campaign focuses on addressing deep-rooted shortcomings in India’s education sector, particularly following recent controversies surrounding major competitive examinations.
As the son’s plans draw national attention, his father, Bhagwanrao Dipke, has voiced understandable parental apprehension. “Being a father, my concerns are obvious,” Bhagwanrao told Hindustan Times. A retired engineer from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), he initially attempted to persuade his son against proceeding with the initiative. However, he acknowledged that once a decision is firmly made, further intervention becomes limited. The family has no plans to offer additional counsel at this point.
ALSO READ : Cockroach Janta Party’s Founder to Return Home, Vows Massive Protest
The Dipke family has temporarily relocated from their residence in the MIDC Waluj area of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) to an undisclosed location. Bhagwanrao confirmed in a phone conversation on Wednesday that they have received no direct threats. He emphasized that Abhijeet possesses a clear grasp of legal boundaries and has assured his family he will operate strictly within them.
Abhijeet Dipke, who recently completed a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid widespread issues with exams including the NEET-UG paper leak and irregularities in CBSE and CUET tests. Through social media outreach, he has urged collective action, stating that unified voices will compel authorities to respond.
Human rights advocate and lawyer Asim Sarode, based in Pune, spoke with Dipke on Wednesday. Sarode noted that the activist is prepared for possible arrest and views the crisis as extending far beyond the approximately 30 lakh NEET candidates to include their families, potentially affecting 70-80 lakh people. Dipke has extended invitations to prominent figures including educator Sonam Wangchuk, actor Prakash Raj, activist Vishambhar Chaudhary, and journalist Nikhil Wagle to support the protest. According to Sarode, Dipke has no intention of forming a political party and intends to conduct the demonstration lawfully.
Local authorities in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar continue to provide round-the-clock protection at the family home, even though the residents departed without detailing their movements. Police Inspector Rameshwar Gade of the MIDC Waluj station confirmed the security measures remain in place to prevent any untoward incidents. Superintendent of Police Pravin Pawar clarified that the family has traveled to attend a wedding in Akola and has been offered personal security if desired.