CJP Founder Abhijit Dipke Falls Ill Amid Ongoing Protest, Vows to Return

Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has fallen ill amid the ongoing protest movement, the activist announced on social media on Thursday.

In a post on X, Dipke said he has been suffering from a high fever and severe body aches over the past several days, forcing him to take a temporary break from the demonstration.

"I have been battling a high fever and intense body pain for the last few days. I have been relying on painkillers just to get through the day," he wrote.

Dipke apologized to supporters who may not be able to meet him at the protest site at Jantar Mantar during the day, adding that he intends to rest for a few hours before returning to the demonstration by the evening.

"Sorry if you don't see me at Jantar Mantar today. I'll take a few hours of rest and be back at the protest site by this evening," he said.

Dipke and other demonstrators have been leading protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The demonstrations escalated on Wednesday night after protesters accused police of using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Police, however, said officers came under attack after protesters allegedly attempted to march toward Parliament Street, claiming stones and bottles were thrown at security personnel.

Dipke has accused the police of using excessive force against demonstrators and again criticized their actions on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the protest movement is expanding beyond the capital, with demonstrations gaining momentum in other parts of the country.