Jaipur Police have arrested five youths for allegedly slapping Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke during a protest at Shaheed Smarak.
According to police, all five accused are graduates. Two are pursuing MBA degrees, one is preparing for competitive examinations, and two are currently unemployed.
The accused will be produced before a court on Wednesday.
Supporters of accused defend their actions
A companion of the arrested youths, identified as Arjun, defended the accused and claimed they acted after being angered by remarks made during the protest.
“We work for society and in the national interest. Those who speak against the nation are dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Arjun alleged that speakers at the protest were trying to divide Hindu society on caste lines.
“We had come only to watch the protest. Hearing those things disturbed us, and we lost control,” he said.
Dipke alleges RSS link to attack
Speaking on Tuesday, Abhijeet Dipke alleged that people associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were behind the attack.
“Whenever someone speaks against a government or its ideology, such incidents happen. There is nothing new in this,” he said.
Youths slapped Abhijit Deepak, founder of Cockroach Janata Party, who arrived at the protest at Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur.
The attacking youths were caught and beaten by Abhijit Deepak’s supporters.
Who are the accused?
DCP (South) Rajarshi Raj said those arrested are Rohit Sharma (25) of Heerawala, Kanota; Rakesh Gurjar (30) of Kuchawas, Bagru; Ajay Sharma (25) of Kanota; Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat (27) of Dewrala, Sikar; and Niket (28) of Prabhat Nagar, Jodhpur.
SHO Narendra Kumar of Vidhayakpuri police station said Rohit Sharma is pursuing an MBA from a private college in Bassi, while Rakesh Gurjar is studying for an MBA at a private college in Dudu.
Ajay Sharma and Kuldeep Singh have completed BA degrees and are currently looking for jobs. Niket is preparing for competitive examinations.
Police said Rohit, Rakesh and Ajay knew each other, while Kuldeep and Niket were not known to the group.
Supporters catch hold of attackers
Soon after the incident, Deepak’s supporters caught hold of the youths and allegedly assaulted them before police intervened.
Dipke says movement will continue
After the incident, Dipke shared a video on social media and said the protest had drawn a large crowd.
“Today’s protest was successful. Many people attended, and our peaceful movement is growing,” he said.
Referring to the issue being raised by his organisation, Dipke said, “Injustice has been done to one crore children. Those responsible must resign.”
He also reiterated his commitment to a non-violent campaign.
“You can attack us once or even ten times. You can slap us repeatedly. No matter what they do, we will not respond with violence. Our movement is peaceful, and we will continue it with peace and love,” he said.
