“Rebellion by Any Means”: Delhi Police Scrutinizes Chats Ahead of CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ March

The “Sansad Chalo” march, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), turned violent on Monday, leaving 118 police personnel and around 70 protesters injured. Investigators are examining digital communications exchanged among participants that suggest preparations for maintaining communication during an internet shutdown and contemplate sacrificing lives for the cause.

The Delhi Police is scrutinizing alleged chat messages in conjunction with CCTV footage, drone visuals, mobile phone videos, and other electronic evidence collected during the investigation. While it’s unclear whether these messages were part of a coordinated effort or personal opinions exchanged among participants, their existence raises questions about the extent to which protesters may be willing to go to achieve their goals.

One alleged message advises participants on how to stay connected in the event of an internet shutdown: “After reaching the protest site you might not get network in your device… It is very important to stay connected to the group you came with.” This suggests a level of organization and planning that may have contributed to the violence. The message also mentions sharing links to applications that can function using Bluetooth signals, implying a deliberate attempt to circumvent internet restrictions.

Some alleged conversations contain inflammatory remarks and mobilization messages, including claims that the next day would be “the last day of Modi Government.” These statements reveal a willingness to incite further violence and are particularly concerning given that some participants referred to sacrificing their lives during the protest. This implies a level of desperation or radicalization among protesters.

The Delhi Police’s investigation remains evidence-based, with forensic examination of digital communications underway and cyber experts assisting in establishing the origin, circulation, and authenticity of the messages. However, the presence of these alleged chats raises questions about the role of social media in fueling extremism and violence.

Multiple FIRs have been registered after the violence, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. This indicates a range of charges that could be brought against those involved. As investigators examine CCTV footage, drone recordings, mobile phone videos, social media posts, and other digital evidence, it’s clear that the incident will have far-reaching implications for India’s political landscape.

Tightened security across the national capital following the violence serves as a reminder that such incidents can have long-term consequences for public safety. The investigation should consider lessons from similar past events, such as the 2020 Delhi riots, and how they can inform strategies for preventing future violent clashes.

Ultimately, the “Sansad Chalo” march has exposed a dark underbelly of Indian politics, where rebellion by any means seems to be the order of the day. The alleged chats exchanged among participants have shed light on a disturbing willingness to sacrifice lives for a cause. This raises questions about India’s democracy and its ability to navigate the complexities of protest and dissent.