'What was objectionable?': Dipke says video pleading with police for tents at Jantar Mantar protest ‘deleted by govt’

Earlier in the day, Abhijeet Dipke accused Delhi Police of refusing to allow tarpaulins at the protest site despite heavy rain lashing the national capital.

Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged on Thursday that his video, in which he asked the Delhi police to allow tents at the Jantar Mantar protest site for rain, has been taken down by the Centre.

The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged examination irregularities entered its 20th day on Thursday. Dipke asked what was objectionable about the video he posted.

“This video has been blocked by the Govt in India. What was objectionable in this video? I was just pleading to the police to allow us to set up tents for rain,” Dipke wrote, along with the screenshot of the original post and the one where it was blocked.

The protestors have been demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and greater accountability from the government over alleged paper leaks and examination-related irregularities.

Earlier in the day, Abhijeet Dipke accused Delhi Police of refusing to allow tarpaulins at the protest site despite heavy rain lashing the national capital overnight.

In a video posted on X, Dipke alleged that students participating in the agitation had been left exposed to the rain while police personnel remained sheltered. As monsoon rain continued to batter Delhi, Dipke said many students at the protest site had been drenched, with some falling ill due to prolonged exposure to the weather.

"We are soaked. All the students are soaked. Our clothes are drenched. People are falling sick. Please show everyone Sir's uniform. Look at it — it's shining as white as ever (Tide ki safedi jaise chamak rhi hai). Please show everyone Sir's shoes. Not even a single drop of rain has fallen on his uniform or shoes. People's feet are getting damaged. See how spotless and bright his uniform is. And sir is saying that tarpaulins will not be allowed inside. Let the students get drenched until orders come from above. Is it okay if students get drenched? Is it okay if students fall sick?” Dipke said in the video.

He further claimed that students had spent a sleepless night as rainwater soaked their belongings.

“These are 19-20-year-old students. They couldn't sleep until late last night because of the rain. They are standing here for this very reason. Those students couldn't sleep. Mattresses got soaked. Their bedsheets got wet. So until orders come, should the children just keep getting drenched? How is that acceptable? Look at all our senior officers. Just look at how clean and shiny their uniforms are. Not even a single drop of rain has fallen on them. They haven't even been touched by water,” he said.

Sonam Wangchuk's health deteriorates

Meanwhile, educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast in support of the protest, saw his health deteriorate further on Wednesday, according to a medical bulletin cited by news agency PTI.

Doctors said Wangchuk has lost more than seven kilograms since beginning his fast 11 days ago. His weight was recorded at 59.40 kg, and his blood pressure was 103/68 mm Hg in the sitting position and 111/73 mm Hg lying down.

The bulletin said his heart rate was 74 beats per minute, his blood glucose level was 75 mg/dL, and his oxygen saturation remained at 98 per cent. Doctors noted that his hydration was fair and that he remained mentally alert.

In a related development, AISA member Hrishikesh, who was also on an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after developing severe health complications, the news agency report added.

Shivam Pratap Singh is a digital journalist who works as a Deputy Chief Content Producer with Hindustan Times. Having previously worked with various platforms covering national, international as well as sports events, he blends in various topics to easy to read news pieces for the benefit of the reader. Shivam holds a Master's degree in International Relations from Jamia Millia Islamia, bringing in a unique perspective for whatever is happening around the world. An avid reader, he can be seen immersed in books and book shops while not working. Shivam treats every topic almost equally but loves to right about foreign affairs and politics of India. He has over half-a-decade of experience in digital journalism though his career started in print.Read More